The unveiling of Maps for iOS 6 was anticipated, but was met with cautious optimism by many. The reason for that is because, even if Google Maps didn't render cities in full 3D, the directions were incredibly widespread and reliable and therefore ditching the service means Maps has to at least have parity with Google Maps.

Maps will bring directions from TomTom and Yelp, though it remains to be seen how wide-reaching the directions are. There have already been questions asking if Apple can provide on-time subway directions, for example, in New York that Google Maps changes in real time. Users expect an experience, so if Maps suddenly doesn't provide accurate information then users will likely look for a quick alternative.

What Apple doesn't have is Street View, which allows users to literally go to street level and move through the city and look what's around them. For finding that off-the-road shop, it's essential. Apple has Flyover, the 3D rendering feature, but it's not known whether it's going to be as widespread as Street View.

There's also no transit directions, at least for now: Apple's Scott Forstall said during its WWDC conference that developers' apps offering transit direction will be promoted from within Maps. That means downloading an app beforehand if a user wants directions when out, or potentially downloading an app when on the move. Over 3G connections - 4G isn't available in the UK, for example - that may not be instantaneous.

However Apple Maps does have turn-by-turn navigation, which was clearly presented with road signs at the top showing the distance to the next turn or location. It's a feature iOS users have been requesting for a long time, and improves on the experience offered in Google Maps on iOS which wasn't voiced and used a small blue pin as an indicator.

An in-house mapping service means Apple will have to pay a significant figure, if Google's service sets a precedent: industry figures estimates Google Maps cost between $500 million and $1 billion. At the end of its last fiscal quarter, Apple had $110 billion in cash and securities. The company can afford the service, but performance is key.

The Google Maps experience was the same on every device; in Maps, Flyover will only be available on iPhone 4S and iPad 2 (and later) and it remains to be seen how the launch of the iPhone 5 will impact the device's features. The iPhone 3GS is still being touted as a budget iPhone device - it's available for free on contract - but the question is how long can Apple use the device, before its hardware lags using new features? There's every chance the iPhone 4 will become the budget iPhone.