Apple isn't relying on its own cadre of cartographers; it's acquired several mapping companies in the past few years. The Maps app in iOS 6 uses data from TomTom, the OpenStreetMap project, and other sources. It's unclear whether Apple simply lacks the data it needs, or if the app is algorithmically tweaking what's shown--to its detriment--for the sake of simplicity or legibility. In , TomTom implied that its "underlying content, notably the maps" is good, but Apple's display may be the problem: "User experience is determined by adding additional features to the map application, such as visual imagery ... [which] is typically defined and created by the handset manufacturers."

Google, obviously has had a head start on Apple when it comes to mapping solutions. The search giant debuted Google Maps in 2005, in a time when services like MapQuest were still the undisputed kings of online mapping. And Google Maps has continued to evolve over that time, in both its Web form and mobile incarnations. Google has also since launched its own Android mobile platform, and the capabilities of Maps on that platform has arguably outstripped iOS's offering for some time.

Regardless of whether it's Apple's own code that needs fixing or its source data, the problem is Apple's either way. Unhappy users will continue to complain if iOS 6's Maps app doesn't meet their needs; if Google does indeed release its own iOS version of Maps, as has been heavily rumored, then Apple might find that its iOS users are jumping ship back to its rival.

We've known for months about some of the Maps app's limitations--its lack of built-in public transit data, the loss of Google's Street View offering--but the perceived weak spots in its coverage are new to consumers, and perhaps the most problematic failing of all.

Apple didn't respond to Macworld's request for comment about concerns surrounding the new app when this story was published. But users who find that the Maps app doesn't provide the data that Google once did can take at least some small comfort in the fact that Google's mobile site for maps--available at on your iPhone or iPad--reveals the same data from iOS 5, though without the obvious benefits of a native app.