Why do some apps like Strava use Apple Maps in iOS and Google Maps in android?

Question

Created Feb ’18

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My questio regards the use of Apple MapKit across devices.

Can someone clarify whether MapKit can be used in Android devices (or at least, whether there is an agreement with Google Maps)?

I know that Google Maps can be used in iOS devices but I can see some apps like Strava use Apple Maps in iOs and Google maps in android -- why would they do this (they could just do all google maps if they had to pay a license)? To me it seems that with the MapKit API there must therefore be some agreeement with Google Maps?

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Answer 1

KMT OP

Feb ’18

See this link for MK supported SDKs, and GMM details:

https://developer.apple.com/documentation/mapkit

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Answer 2

Technology Evangelist OP

Apple

Feb ’18

I would argue that one should always use the native implementation for any technology provided by the operating system. Relying on single implementations across multiple platforms can be fragile in the long run and often embed a user experience that, while consistent across platforms, doesn't feel like it belongs to your users. Building for android, use the built-in maps engine...building for iOS, use MapKit.

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Answer 3

LaurenceTW94 OP

Feb ’18

Hi thanks for that. The thing is, from what I can see, the Apple MapKit has no restrictions and is totally free, whilst Google Maps is very expensive when you go beyond the usage limits. Am I correct or not?

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Answer 4

Technology Evangelist OP

Apple

Feb ’18

MapKit is "free" to use in that you don't pay for it beyond the cost of your developer program membership and the split for a non-free app distributed via the App Store. I would assume that's the case for any platform-native mapping engine, though I don't know for sure.

...and just to be clear, MapKit is built into the operating system on Apple devices – not delivered as a cross-platform SDK nor available as a web service.

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