But google's strategy isn't about beating iOS. It's about creating as much engagement a possible on all its web platforms - search,mail, g+, ... Android's pur

But google's strategy isn't about beating iOS. It's about creating as much engagement a possible on all its web platforms - search,mail, g+, ... Android's purpose is to create leverage over all the phone manufacturers to provide a funnel into google services. And it's worked brilliantly, since over 50% of smartphones are now funnels into google services. (It's a nice OS too, I'm just describing the strategic reason behind it) In that vein, you would think google is better served by capturing all the iOS eyeballs too. Google seems to think that way for other apps (mail, google+, etc) , and I think it's in their interest to do an ios maps too. Maybe there's value for google in creating a little schadenfreude by delaying, but they have to be careful- if they do it too long, iOS users will have found other solutions (3rd party or apple maps will have improved enough).