Garmin has decided to withdraw all its navigation apps from the Google Play Store and Apple App Store. From the 14th of May this year, the apps Navigon, Navigon Regions and Navigon Cruiser will disappear from the apps stores. Existing users can continue to use the apps for at least two years, according to Garmin on its website.
Despite the fact that Garmin iPhone and iPad apps were amongst the most popular offline navigation apps on Apple's App Store, the company has decided to remove all apps for 'strategic reasons'. The company does not further explain its decision. It's likely the company is unable to compete with free maps applications like Google Maps and Waze.
From the 14th of May this year, it will no longer be possible to download the apps, and from then it's also no longer be possible to make in-app purchases. This means existing users will not be able to purchase e.g. live traffic services or PhotoLive upgrades. Existing users will be able to make use of their previously in-app purchases and existing subscriptions will continue to work. On iOS the subscriptions will automatically expire, on Android the subscription has to be canceled manually, according to Garmin it has no influence on users' subscription management. Users with a FreshMaps or Unlimited Navigation subscription will continue to receive map updates.
The only apps that will continue to function as before are Navigon Select, Garmin HUD EU/NA: Garmin HUD Plus and BMW HUS. These apps will still be available for download and can be upgraded with in-app purchases.
Garmin offers apps as Garmin Würzburg GmbH on the Google Play Store. It sells navigation apps for prices ranging from €29.99 (about $37.50) to €59.99 (about $74.50). It's also possible to download a free version, that will work with full functionality for a week, after that users have to make in-app purchases ranging from €1 to €79.99, depending on the functionality they require.
On Apple's App Store the company sells navigation apps for several regions, e.g. an app with maps for Europe is sold at €74.99, the app with maps for North America goes at €64.99. Also, a free version is available that allow an iPhone to connect to several Garmin navigation devices. For this app in-app purchases of €5.49 and €6.99 can be purchased.
