Google Maps hits 10 million downloads for iOS in just two days

Google has claimed more than 10 million users have downloaded its Google Maps service in the first two days since its re-release for iOS.

Google’s senior vice president of commerce and local, Jeff Huber, revealed the sales figure earlier today in a post on Google Plus.

“We’re excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world. Congratulations to the Maps Team on the recognition for the passion and hard work they poured into it, for this release and over the last seven-plus years,” Huber says.

Apple’s decision to abandon Google Maps in favour of its own mapping service with the release of the iPhone 5 and iOS6 has been widely criticised, by industry figures and consumers alike, due to the poor quality of Apple’s maps.

In early October, Apple issued a formal apology to consumers for its maps, with the then-head of iOS software, Scott Forstall, later resigning.

Last week, SmartCompany reported a warning from Victoria Police for motorists not to rely on Apple’s mapping service in north-western Victoria, after motorists heading to the Victorian city of Mildura were directed to a remote location more than 70 kilometres away.

Police in the district say they have had to rescue six Mildura-bound motorists lost in the Murray Sunset National Park over the past two months as a result of Apple’s navigation system.