Google Maps’ return to the iPhone and iPad this week may not be permanent, an analyst said. “It would have been out of the question,” said Ezra Gottheil, an analyst with Technology Business Research, referring to a rejection of Google’s submission of Maps to the iOS App Store. Not only would that have been a public relations disaster, it would have flown in the face of Apple CEO Tim Cook’s suggestion last September that dissatisfied customers use alternatives, including Google’s Maps, which could be accessed through iOS’ Safari browser. “But down the line, if Apple feels they have a compelling reason, if they believe they then had a superior app, they may choose not to accept Google Maps in some future manifestation,” Gottheil said. Apple has rejected apps before by citing duplication of effort with its own pre-installed apps.

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