Keep in mind that the map software itself was created by Apple. Also keep in mind that there is almost certainly some sort of SLA/contract ensuring continued access to Google Maps data for some time period, and that it would not be particularly impossible to switch to, say, Bing-powered map graphics.
Bing map is way inferior to google maps, otherwise apple would have switched a long time ago.
The major companies making maps are TeleAtlas, Navteq, and Google. TeleAtlas is owned by TomTom, Navteq is owned by Nokia. Navteq is used by Google, Microsoft and Mapquest. If Apple ever wanted to switch to another map provider, it wouldn't need a middleman like Microsoft.
Sure but it's just using google maps API with a fancy UI.
If so, then I reckon that's temporary, given that Apple bought companies like Placebase, Poly9, and Siri.
