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Apple's new iPhoto for iOS uses OpenStreetMap data in place of Google

Signaling a move away from Google Maps, Apple's new iPhoto for iOS gets some of its mapping data from the OpenStreetMap Foundation.

The foundation revealed that Apple is using its data in a post to its official blog on Thursday. Previously, Apple used Google Maps for its Mac version of iPhoto, as well as the rest of its iOS applications.

"The OSM data that Apple is using is rather old (start of April 2010) so don't expect to see your latest and greatest updates on there," wrote Jonathan Bennett of OpenStreetMap. "It's also missing the necessary credit to OpenStreetMap's contributors; we look forward to working with Apple to get that on there."

But Bennett said the foundation is "delighted" to have Apple make the switch from Google Maps to OpenStreetMap. The blog post suggests that Apple did not speak with the foundation before releasing iPhoto on Wednesday, as Bennett said they were "pleased to find" Apple had switched to OpenStreetMap.

Once iPhoto for iOS was released, users immediately began to notice that the software uses a different style of map that isn't credited to anyone. That's a change from all of Apple's previous iOS devices, which have relied on mapping data from Google Maps.

Apple is still using some data from Google for maps in iPhoto, representatives from the company told John Gruber of Daring Fireball. But the use of OpenStreetMap for the map displays in iPhoto signals a major shift for Apple, as the company is expected to develop its own mapping solutions in the future.

In recent years, Apple had acquired a number of mapping companies, signaling that it intends to move away from its dependence on Google. And a year ago, the company publicly admitted it's building a "crowd-sourced traffic" service for iPhone users.