It doesn't matter which map data vendor you choose. They will all re-evaluate their services on a regular basis and make changes. There is no guarantee of anything from anywhere. Apple hasn't said it will charge and it hasn't said it won't either. There are other vendors than Apple and Google too. I have had good luck with MapQuest. They have a very nice web API with an option to use Openstreet map. Of course, just because you have an option to use open data doesn't mean you get the servers and bandwidth free in all cases.
Maps is a service that has to be paid for by someone in some fashion.