Did Apple Steal Their New Map Software?

Written By
Web Webster
Web Webster
Mar 9, 2012

“Apple also seemed to be using a new map service aside from the
usual Google Maps for the program. But Several bloggers quickly
noticed that the maps bore a striking similarity to OpenStreetMap,
an open-source map service with over 400,000 volunteer contributors
worldwide. Upon further investigation, it became eminently clear
that Apple had lifted the maps directly out of OpenStreetMap.

“OpenStreetMap is, of course, open source software, so it isn?t
illegal for Apple to use it in their program. In fact, it?s
actually a real validation for the Open Street Maps Community that
a company like Apple used their data over the traditional Google
Maps. But the usage policy requires proper attribution, and it?s
abominable netiquette to use open source software without crediting
it. Apple is drawing a fair amount of internet ire for their
actions.”


Complete Story

Web Webster

Web Webster

Web Webster has more than 20 years of writing and editorial experience in the tech sector. He’s written and edited news, demand generation, user-focused, and thought leadership content for business software solutions, consumer tech, and Linux Today, he edits and writes for a portfolio of tech industry news and analysis websites including webopedia.com, and DatabaseJournal.com.

Linux Today Logo

LinuxToday is a trusted, contributor-driven news resource supporting all types of Linux users. Our thriving international community engages with us through social media and frequent content contributions aimed at solving problems ranging from personal computing to enterprise-level IT operations. LinuxToday serves as a home for a community that struggles to find comparable information elsewhere on the web.

Property of TechnologyAdvice. © 2026 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.