While Apple has worked hard to build its in-house mapping expertise, the company still needs to rely on some outside partners to assist it with the massive project of developing its own mapping and turn-by-turn navigation services. A number of observers noted references to "TomTom and others" in various locations within Apple's new Maps app for iOS 6, and now the mapping company has confirmed in a brief press release that it has indeed struck a deal with Apple.

TomTom has signed a global agreement with Apple for maps and related information. No further details of the agreement will be provided.

ios 6 maps tomtom
The Associated Press noted earlier today that TomTom's stock was up 12% on the news, with it now approaching gains of 15% for the day.

(Thanks to Travis for the image!)

Top Rated Comments

basesloaded190 Avatar
basesloaded190
176 months ago
Hopefully this will settle the tension people have with maps not being as good as google's. I think TomTom has a pretty good mapping database.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
nfl46 Avatar
nfl46
176 months ago
I used the maps this morning. It was pretty good...of course it had bugs, but its definitely good to say this is Apple's first go at Maps.

Its going to be even better on that larger iPhone screen.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
acslater017 Avatar
acslater017
176 months ago
As people move away from dedicated GPS units and towards smartphones, it's smart of TomTom to pair up with the most successful phone maker/app platform out there. Their services are still useful, but it's good of them not to tie their fate to dedicate GPS units.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
hofer Avatar
hofer
176 months ago
Are maps being stored on the phone, or are they downloaded as they are needed? I see the latter as a big limitation as I often find myself in areas with limited cell coverage, and therefore unable to use the map program. I believe the new version of Google Maps will have a feature where it downloads a whole region to the phone so you can use it even when you have a poor connection. I hope Apple's app will have a similar feature.

I used the maps this morning. It was pretty good...of course it had bugs, but its definitely good to say this is Apple's first go at Maps.

Its going to be even better on that larger iPhone screen.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Primejimbo Avatar
Primejimbo
176 months ago
What TomTom brings is excellent traffic data, which they charge an annual subscription for within their app; which is now included in iOS6. That's money right there.

charge?? I get TomTom map updates and have't pay for them at all. I just paid for the app and that's it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Amazing Iceman Avatar
Amazing Iceman
176 months ago
The good thing about this setup is that Apple can add, improve or replace services as needed in the background as they wish.
I would expect seeing new functionality in the Mapping app every once in a while.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
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