Google has brought its critically acclaimed Maps application to Apple's iPhone.

The launch comes a few months after the iOS6 software update removed Google Maps from devices, making way for Apple Maps instead. 

Apple Maps featured vector-based graphics and visually impressive 3D mapping.

However, Apple's effort was poorly received, with numerous navigation errors and landmarks missing, leading the company to recommend rival services instead.

The Google Maps app features traffic, turn-by-turn navigation, indoor photos, walking directions, Zagat restaurant reviews and Google+ integration, The Verge reported.

Offline mapping is missing from this release however, with Google allowing Android users to cache up to 10MBs of data for offline usage.

Google has also made its mapping API available for iOS application developers to use.