It was to be expected that the return of Google Maps to iOS would have some impressive download numbers, after a 3 month forced exile from the App Store. Apple had removed any ability to download or use Google Maps after its new software update back in September, instead choosing to launch their own version. However, the mapping software was dogged with bad errors widely seen, satellite images unclear due to clouds, missing or misplaced towns and cities and broken 3D views. Many users complained of the flaws, so much so that Apple’s CEO, Tim Cook, gave an apology a week later.

Since brought back to the App Store, Google Maps rose swiftly to the top of the free downloads chart even though no news was given about the release. On their Google+ page, Jeff Huber, Google’s senior vice president of Commerce & Local posted the numbers for the first two days of being available, “We’re excited for the positive reception of Google Maps for iPhone around the world. Congratulations to the Maps Team on the recognition for the passion and hard work they poured into it, for this release and over the last 7+ years.”

With it, Google Maps for iPhone brings some missing features to iOS, ones which have been on the Android platform for some time now. These include, voice guided, turn-by-turn driving directions, Street View, live traffic information for major cities around the world and 360 panoramic pictures.

If you’re an iOS users, you can download Google Maps by following this link.