As I've said before, Scott was probably pushed out because he wanted Apple to go head-to-head with Google in search and mapping. Siri is search. Maps is mapping

As I've said before, Scott was probably pushed out because he wanted Apple to go head-to-head with Google in search and mapping. Siri is search. Maps is mapping. They are Google's strongest products, and Apple is nuts to compete. All they'll accomplish by keeping Google off the iPhone is giving Android a competitive edge, and will have to spend a huge amount to be remotely competitive. It's iWork all over again. I'm pretty sure Google wants Google Maps and Google voice search on the iPhone. I'm pretty sure Apple said no, to retaliate against Google's work on Android. (Yes, there's no turn-by-turn, but that's in Apple's own app using Google data - a Google Map app would probably have the same features as Android). The only reason Google made Android is to have more people run Google Search, and Google Maps, and click on the little blue text ads. Apple can compete with Android, as long as they don't block good apps. Having a good relationship with Google is a pretty good start. Lots of people will pay a 30% premium for an Apple desktop, despite Windows being the dominant platform. I'm pretty sure they'd pay a premium for an Apple phone / tablet, especially when iOS is the dominant mobile platform. I can't see iOS remaining as dominant as the iPod was, but I don't see it being an also-ran like OSX.