Internet no longer needed for google maps?

Apparently google maps can now work offline on your phone or mobile device.Now I tested this new "statement" from google on my iPod and it didn't work... But then again I used my iPod not my phone so hopefully it works on phones... But I mean if you have connection to download google maps to your phone then this really isn't necessary.But if the statement from google is false, I appoligize for google's false statement.