Apple to challenge Google Maps?

Venture Beat reports.

Earlier this month, rumours that Apple was dumping Google Maps in favour of its own map application cropped up.

The company, which is known for creating its own software, is said to be including the custom-built mapping tool in iOS 6, the next instalment of its mobile operating system.

According to CNET, obtaining details and photos of the new app from a "trusted source," BGR said the main photo is mostly a mock-up based on the information received from the source.

Users can then switch back and forth between 2D and 3D by tapping an icon in the lower-left corner.

In recent months, Apple has also acquired mapping experts C3 Technologies, Placebase and Poly9, adding fuel to those rumours, Mashable writes.

Apple also recently removed Google Maps from the iPad version of iPhoto.