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Nokia is setting up to launch its Here mapping software on iOS early next year, despite previous aims for a 2014 release.
Here maps are one of the primary services Nokia retained after its split from Microsoft.
The Finnish firm’s maps work offline, comes free of charge, offers voice guidance, and provides the expected raft of mapping features.
It’s already launched on the Play Store, and has since been downloaded several million times.
The iOS version will work on both iPhone and iPad, but there’s still no specific launch date available right now.
Related: Microsoft confirms binning of Nokia branding, opts for Lumia instead
Interestingly, Nokia’s head of Here mobile development, Udo Szabo, has confirmed that development of the Windows Phone version has been shelved for the time being.
Speaking to Finnish site ITViikko, Szabo said: “Now we are developing applications on the basis of a realistic market.” Ouch.
This means that Nokia slicing its ties with Microsoft, and Windows Phone by extension, has resulted in the company being free to focus on the most popular platforms.
Microsoft will, reportedly, continue to pay Nokia licensing fees for smartphone-based Here mapping however. The Redmond-based firm will also be responsible for the Windows Phone app development.
