Disagree. Apple was not in any position to do "maps" themselves at the launch of the iPhone, so they contracted with Google. Google then used data from iPhone users to enhance their map product, but only brought the improvements to Android. I don't think anyone, Steve Jobs included, understood that "maps" was going to be a gateway function to local advertising, referrals to restaurants, friend location, business directory, ATM convenience, and a thousand other things that are now "core" to the smartphone experience. Apple had to cut the cord, and they had to do it now

Interesting aspect. Thanks for sharing.