After several long, harrowing months of dealing with misplaced cities, incomplete directions and all-around map mayhem, fans of Apple devices can rest easy now that Google Maps has made its triumphant return to the iOS platform. After getting the boot from iOS 6, Google released the app version of its popular mapping platform to the Apple App store on Dec. 13.

According to Bloomberg Businessweek, Google developed a native version of its popular maps platform for iOS users. Of course, they never actually lost access to Google Maps, as it was still available through a mobile Web browser, but the app version is smoother and easier to use.

Old Google Maps staples included in the iOS app include Street View and directions for public transit, including bus, subways and commuter train information. The lack of public transit details was a sticking point for those unhappy with Apple’s own maps.

Yankee Group Principal Analyst Jason Armitage comments

“After seven years of continuous investment placed behind Google Maps, it came as little surprise that the service’s design and features were streets ahead of Apple’s new competitor. The question from here is how quickly Apple Maps can reach par with its rival.

The real test for Apple will be to catch up on third-party data feeds that make Google Maps such a rich experience for users, wherever they are located. In the meantime, Apple took the correct decision to point iPhone owners toward its own platform. At least iPhone sales will not suffer from the comparative advantage enjoyed by Android handsets in the interim.”