In November 2012, Nokia announced HERE, their expanded effort to bring the company"s mapping technology and services to other platforms besides Windows Phone. That included releasing a HTML5-based version of HERE Maps for Apple"s iOS devices. Now Nokia has quietly removed that version from Apple"s App Store.
The removal was first spotted and reported by the Indian Express and when the site asked Nokia for comment, it received this statement from a spokesperson:
We have made the decision to remove our HERE Maps app from the Apple App Store because recent changes to iOS 7 harm the user experience. iPhone users can continue to use the mobile web version of HERE Maps under m.here.com., offering them core location needs, such as search, routing, orientation, transit information and more, all completely free of charge.
The fact that Nokia has now decided to ditch the iOS app, rather than release updates, is a bit surprising considering that back in November 2012, the company released the following statement on their goal for HERE Maps:
... we are opening it up to all devices and operating systems to give everyone, with any type of device, the possibility to recognize and the ability to use the best location platform in the world.
The company will be keeping their HERE Maps business even after it completes the deal to sell its Devices and Services division to Microsoft in the first quarter of 2014.
Source: Indian Express via NokiaPowerUser | Image via Nokia