How To Run Google Maps Web App In Fullscreen Mode With iOS 5 Maps Icon

On Friday, Apple’s CEO Tim Cook has apologized for iOS 6 Maps in an open letter to customers.

He also made a remarkable suggestion that they try alternative mapping apps such as MapQuest, Bing, Waze etc. and web-based mapping services from Google and Nokia.

Apple also launched a new featured category in the App Store called "Find Maps for the iPhone" (similar one for the iPad) to make it easier for users to find alternative mapping apps and also a web page to show users how to add Home screen icons (web clip) for web-based mapping services from Google and Nokia.

When you tap on the web clip to launch a web app, though it hides Safari's address bar, it doesn't hide the toolbar at the bottom, which takes up precious screen real estate.

If you've switched to Google Maps web app, then here's a cool trick to install the Google Maps web app on your iPhone or iPad's Home screen with the iOS 5 Maps icon and launch the app in fullscreen mode without the toolbar at the bottom as you can see below.

Follow these simple steps:

• Tap on this link to install the web profile on your iPhone or this link on your iPad.
• Tap on the Install button

• Tap on the Install Now button

• Enter the passcode when you're prompted
• And then tap on the Done button.

You should now see the iOS 5 Maps icon on the Home screen. When you tap on it, it will launch Google Maps web app in fullscreen mode (without the toolbar).

It almost feels like a native app. You won't get spoken directions like Apple's Maps app, but you’ll now be able to get directions, public transit information and live traffic reports in full screen mode. We've also heard that Google is planning to add Street View to the web app in the two weeks.

Thanks to Ben Guild for creating the installable web profiles. Hat tip to Mathew Panzarino of The Next Web for finding it.