I see this as something different: the sign of a mature product. What are competitors doing that Google Maps isn’t? Maybe I’m missing something but I see no significant features.
(Not to mention, the Maps API != Google Maps the product)
(Not to mention, the Maps API != Google Maps the product)
These feature disparities between the API & the consumer product were annoying at first, but now that the competitors to the Maps API all have had them for years they're simply baffling.
No one wants to pay, brand risk if the customer implementation sucks, etc.