I refuse to use Apple Maps on principal. I prefer Waze, and use it. Yet when I click an address link, I get directed to reinstall the Maps app, and it won't let me open the links in the map of my choice.

Removal of instant shouldn't change the behavior of the search bar's focusing. I haven't noticed what your'e talking about, though.

They have appeared to have implemented disabling instant search by simply reverting all post-instant search antifeatures:

No instant search

No steal focus on result page (and thus, no breaking backspace)

No overriding arrow key scroll into weird blue-arrow modal UI

Basically 2010 era google, all at one stroke.

The result quality is still kind of meh though.

@bcoates claims that it will. I assumed it would because the whole 'steal your focus' thing was implemented at the same time iirc.