Mark Gurman, writing for 9to5Google received a tip saying that although Apple may improve the Maps app for iOS 5, they’ll still use Google for the actual map data, just like they’ve done since iOS 1 (iPhone OS):

  "Now, sources have told 9to5Google that although Apple is working to improve the iOS Maps application, iOS 5 will not bring an Apple developed maps service and Google Maps is still in."

This makes a lot of sense. There are two major map data providers, TeleAtlas, which is now owned by TomTom, and Navteq, now owned by Nokia. Almost everyone else has to license the data from them, with the exception of Google who has since re-mapped and compiled their own map database. The companies Apple purchased, PlaceBase and Poly9, seem to do really interesting things with map data, but don’t seem to have any map database themselves, and while Apple has been compiling location data, there’s no evidence they’ve re-mapped roads the way Google has. (Though they may be in the process of doing that.)

Source: 9to5Google
Via: TiPb