Google is putting the finishing touches to its new mapping app that will work on Apple’s iOS platform, according to a Wall Street Journal report, a move that could start another battle between the two major rivals.

The report claims “Google has distributed a test version of its new mapping app… to some individuals outside the company,” ahead of plans to submit it for approval to the Apple iTunes store. The new app is expected to contain turn-by-turn navigation that would allow people to use it like a GPS device while driving.

The move is significant as Apple replaced Google’s preinstalled mapping service with its own technology with the launch of iOS6, but the iPhone vendor has been hit by complaints about the new service lacking certain features and offering poor accuracy and detail. Indeed, the fallout led to the departure last month of Scott Forstall, the head of Apple’s iOS division, who paid the price for Apple’s ill-fated foray into maps on iOS6.

It remains unclear when Google will attempt to submit its new mapping app to Apple’s App Store, and also whether Apple will approve it.

Apple also recently removed Google's YouTube video app, which similarly had been preinstalled on all iOS devices. In September Google unveiled a new YouTube app that users can download from Apple’s App Store.