TomTom Confirms Mapping Deal with Apple - MacRumors
Skip to Content

TomTom Confirms Mapping Deal with Apple

by

While Apple has worked hard to build its in-house mapping expertise, the company still needs to rely on some outside partners to assist it with the massive project of developing its own mapping and turn-by-turn navigation services. A number of observers noted references to "TomTom and others" in various locations within Apple's new Maps app for iOS 6, and now the mapping company has confirmed in a brief press release that it has indeed struck a deal with Apple.

TomTom has signed a global agreement with Apple for maps and related information. No further details of the agreement will be provided.

ios 6 maps tomtom
The Associated Press noted earlier today that TomTom's stock was up 12% on the news, with it now approaching gains of 15% for the day.

(Thanks to Travis for the image!)

Top Rated Comments

basesloaded190 Avatar
basesloaded190
180 months ago
Hopefully this will settle the tension people have with maps not being as good as google's. I think TomTom has a pretty good mapping database.
Score: 18 Votes (Like | Disagree)
N
nfl46
180 months ago
I used the maps this morning. It was pretty good...of course it had bugs, but its definitely good to say this is Apple's first go at Maps.

Its going to be even better on that larger iPhone screen.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
A
acslater017
180 months ago
As people move away from dedicated GPS units and towards smartphones, it's smart of TomTom to pair up with the most successful phone maker/app platform out there. Their services are still useful, but it's good of them not to tie their fate to dedicate GPS units.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
H
hofer
180 months ago
Are maps being stored on the phone, or are they downloaded as they are needed? I see the latter as a big limitation as I often find myself in areas with limited cell coverage, and therefore unable to use the map program. I believe the new version of Google Maps will have a feature where it downloads a whole region to the phone so you can use it even when you have a poor connection. I hope Apple's app will have a similar feature.

I used the maps this morning. It was pretty good...of course it had bugs, but its definitely good to say this is Apple's first go at Maps.

Its going to be even better on that larger iPhone screen.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
P
Primejimbo
180 months ago
What TomTom brings is excellent traffic data, which they charge an annual subscription for within their app; which is now included in iOS6. That's money right there.

charge?? I get TomTom map updates and have't pay for them at all. I just paid for the app and that's it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Amazing Iceman Avatar
Amazing Iceman
180 months ago
The good thing about this setup is that Apple can add, improve or replace services as needed in the background as they wish.
I would expect seeing new functionality in the Mapping app every once in a while.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Read All Comments

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Read Full Article • 25 comments
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
Read Full Article • 47 comments
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...
Read Full Article • 88 comments