Apple's purchase of C3 is not the first digital map maker company had acquired. The iPhone maker also bought Poly9, a 3D mapping company, last year. The acquisition might mean Apple is planning applications maps at home that can replace Google Maps in device iOS.
When Apple launched the first iPhone in 2007 and showcases original application Google Maps, Google and Apple is still on good terms. Since then, Google's Android platform has emerged as a leader in the smartphone market share and a statement violated some of the patents Apple OS has become a rival company.
Apple is perhaps uncomfortable to use a rival's service as the basis for one of the greatest apps on a device. Combination technology of C3 and Poly9 's, however, can give you what it takes to let go of your own application maps to take on the competition. Google Maps is one of the most popular Google properties and Apple's entry into the game map will be a challenge.
There is a schedule or even confirmation that Apple is working on the application of the map, but the history shows it is in the works. Apple buys voice recognition start-up Series early last year and this year it was launched as one of the biggest updates ever for the iPhone. The company may have the same type of plans lined up now that it has purchased C3.
Apple is not expected to announce another iPhone until the middle of next year's end, but new applications based on the technology of C3 and Poly9 's might be a big story when it happens.