Google Maps had a total monopoly and Google could have leveraged that in the competition between Android and iOS. Maybe they even tried asking Apple for a lot of money to be able to use it on iOS.
It takes years, even a decade to get maps to a good quality (Apple maps launched in 2012). So I think it's a good thing that Apple started early enough. I'm sure it's crazy expensive to build and maintain. Apple can fund it from iPhone sales, and ensure that their ecosystem has an alternative for Google maps.
I don't think it's meant to turn a profit, I think it's meant as protection of their iPhone revenue.
I was wondering what the fallout would be if businesses had to pay Google to include their business on Google Maps.
Like, if McDonalds didn't pony up every year, they drop out of the list for Fast Food searches.