While we here at Haverzine tend to shy away from largely unfounded Apple rumors, here’s one that made us take note: according to “trusted sources”, Apple will be removing the bundled Google Maps application that has been included in iOS since it’s inception in favor of an Apple controlled in studio application.

Read more after the break.

Source: 9to5Mac

The new application is said to be fairly similar to the current Google Maps application at first glance, but will be faster, more reliable, and include some pretty cool new features, such as a brand new 3D maps view which will render the environment in beautiful, incredibly realistic 3D. This technology is said to be lifted straight from  C3 Technologies.

Image mock-up by 9to5Mac, showing 3D rendering on the right.

The new application is said to have been codenamed simply “Maps” at Apple, with the old application being dubbed “Google Maps”. 9to5Mac also believes, and describes in detail, that the application will come complete with a new take on the Maps icon with a new color scheme and updated graphics.

Apple has been buying up various location related companies as of late, including Placebase, C3 Technologies, and Poly9. That plus Apple’s strained at best working relationship with Google leads us to believe that this rumor is legitimate.

iOS 6 is expected to be unveiled at WWDC this June, likely coupled with a developer release around the same time. If Apple follows their traditional development cycle, the final version will be released alongside a potential updated iPhone model sometime later.