Yes, the comparison with Google Maps is valid, but the quote in my opinion implies that he is under the impression that both Google and Placebase "mapped out" the world themselves instead of licensing the map data from third parties like you said. My point is reinforced when he ponders if Apple might have bought the company just for the maps.

I wonder how that could be patentable? There's clearly prior art of "limitations to certain device resources which may otherwise be available to users of the device". Is it just the method they want to patent, not the restricting part?

Anyway, Apple won't be getting any sympathy for this. I wonder if the negative coverage like the draconian app rejections, google voice debacle and stuff like this patent application have any effect to their sales in the end? Are current users turning away in any meaningful numbers because of these? My gut feeling is no..

No, most people don't know about this sort of stuff. It's to Apple's benefit that they don't haha.