Comment by Steko

The whole saga is fairly well documented. Go to any comparison of iOS and Android in 2010-11 and you'll see Google Maps for Android held up as one of the biggest Android advantages. Maps for Android had turn by turn. Maps for iOS didn't.

Apple was excited to partner with Google for Maps on the iPhone launch and it was excited to partner with companies like Garmin on expensive third party turn by turn solutions. Once it became obvious that free turn by turn nav was a fundamental OS level checkbox Apple was forced to rush out their Maps product.