After much speculation from tech publications across the board, Apple announced that its new mobile operating system would feature a mapping service on par with Google Maps, according to reports. The  tech-giant announced the addition at the Worldwide Developer's Conference (WWDC), held this week in San Francisco.

Ian Paul of PCWorld notes that this break from Google will be a good thing for consumers. Since the release of the Google Android, the company has had a strange relationship with Apple as both a service provider and competitor. Paul notes that Apple will now be able to make improvements to its Maps feature "instead of relying on a reluctant partner/competitor to bring new maps features" to them.

In recent years, that dependence meant that iPhone and iPad users had to make due without the mapping improvements seen on Google Android devices - but that is no longer the case.

The new Maps app is set to appear on any mobile device running iOs 6. Users will immediately benefit from the system's use of vector graphics, which means maps will be created directly on the device instead of beaming in from a remote online source.

Other features of this new app include traffic information and a step-by-step navigation system. It will even provide background information on local business, including their Yelp reviews.

But some elements will be missing, according to the source. Apple has made no mention of street views. Additionally, the Map app doesn't provide walking and public transportation data like Google does. Anyone with an iPad or Macbook Air will still be able to access Google Maps through a web browser, but they won't be able to use its app.

Those interested in learning more about Apple's Maps app or any of the other new developments announced at WWDC should contact a retailer like PortableOne to find out when the new devices and software updates will be available.