Google Maps is the go-to choice for mobile navigation, and there is no doubt about that. It is the most advanced and detailed navigation app, but Apple Maps is starting to make waves, finally. A slew of recent updates released with iOS 13 had fans in a frenzy. There is a lot of talk about how it’s time to ditch Google Maps in favor of Apple Maps.
Well, I am impressed with all the love and attention that Apple has poured on to Maps with the iOS 13. However, I'm still not sure if it’s still there yet. We need to take a look at all the features, important and necessary ones anyway before we can make a call.
Let’s begin.
1. Platform Availability
Currently the best maps app I use maps primarily in the car as satnav through apple CarPlay. I used apple maps for years because it’s clean, reliable and just generally a very good app. I tried google maps along with a couple of other apps e.g. Waze because I wanted some feedback about the traffic around me.
Google Maps helps you find places to go, things to do and how to get there—no matter what device you’re using. With compatibility for Apple’s CarPlay Dashboard and a new app for the Apple Watch, people using iOS devices can safely and easily navigate with Google Maps right from their car or wrist.
If you are a die-hard Apple user, you can use Apple Maps because otherwise, it's not available for Windows or Android. There is no website either but just apps for macOS, iPadOS, and iOS. In a world where cross-platform availability and interoperability are becoming the norm quickly, Apple is restricting its services to the walled garden.
This occurred because it was the default map app on iOS — but as Apple continues improving its maps app, users might be there by choice. Apple Maps At its launch, Apple Maps saw many issues with. Making a comeback to the native iOS app is Street View, the lack of which was the source of complaints heard from a number of iDevice users. In place of the Google-built feature, Apple implemented.
2. Devil Is in the Details
Apple says that the maps are much more detailed than they were previously, and I agree. It's still far behind what Google Maps has to offer. Some hardcore users might even callously call it comparing apples to oranges. Note that to make it easier to differentiate, I have enabled dark mode in Apple Maps.
Undoubtedly Apple Maps has gotten better, but Google Maps continues to be more detailed. I find maps quite useful when I am out riding and stop in the middle of nowhere. That's why you have to rely upon its richness in terms of accuracy, details, and features.
Google Maps shows more information like website address, ability to call directly from the app, opening and closing hours, and even Popular times. So you know when to expect a rush which is useful for travelers and businesses. Google Maps shows reviews submitted by users. Apple Maps pulls data from Wikipedia and TripAdvisor, which is equally cool but misses out on several other details.
Apple Maps pulls in data from several other sources too. However, Google Maps has been running campaigns encouraging users and businesses to enter their data for years now. That's why Google Maps carry a lot more details on several places. Frankly, there are too many features in Google Maps to list here.
Fun Fact: Apple Maps turned 7 years old in September, while Google Maps turned 14 in October.
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3. Directions and ETA
I have never been to Paris, but it’s in my bucket list. I searched for Eiffel Tower to airport, and unfortunately, Apple Maps returned with — No Results Found.
I searched for only Eiffel Tower this time and then searched for the airport. Instead of showing the full route, it only shows the road to Airport Connection with an ETA that’s 6 minute. Damn again. Here is how it looks in Google Maps. Photo viewer mac os x app.
I have visited the Taj Mahal. It’s a symbol of love. Having visited the city, I know it takes about 40 minutes to reach the airport from the monument. Apple Maps showed me the way from Taj Mahal in Agra to the airport in another city, Ahmedabad. I had searched for that city in Apple maps before moving on, but still, that’s odd behavior.
Apple Maps seems to be far behind Google Maps right now. This time, I searched for Taj Mahal to Agra airport and got better results. I guess, you need to be a little more specific. AI is not Apple Maps' strong suit, for now.
Google Maps navigation is color-coded. For example, red represents heavy traffic. Google also marks tolls, light traffic and other metrics. Apple Maps shows traffic in Satellite view, which I don't prefer.
4. Common features
There are a lot of things that Apple Maps gets right, and is at par with Google Maps. Of course, when comparing two services, it is natural to find some (okay, several) differences. You can save favorite places in a list and share it with others in both the navigation apps.
We are familiar with the prowess of Google Streets View, Google Maps companion app that allows you to explore a neighborhood in 3D. You can explore mythological places too. Apple Maps has launched Look Around, which is available in a limited number of cities right now. We expect it to rise in the coming years. On the plus side, Look Around looks stunning and rich when compared to Google Streets View. Also, you don’t have to download a separate app.
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5. Where Google Maps Shines
Google Maps and Streets View is available on all platforms, including the web. That means a larger screen, which then makes it easy to view the map. You can also send a location to your mobile, ready to begin the navigation automatically. Small things that make lives easier.
Then there is the recently launched Live View where you can use your camera to view the directions in real-time. It's truly magical.
Map My World
Apple Maps has come a long way, but there are still miles to go. They played it smart by pulling data from existing sources like Wikipedia and TripAdvisor, among others. Mac display management app. Look Around and real-time ETA features are pretty solid.
But as noted earlier, the devil is in the details. Google Maps gets several small things right and makes using the app that much easier and fun. Apple is investing its resources in building the maps app and improving it to compete with Google. Clearly, it's a long term battle that Apple is planning against Google.
Next up: Looking for even more Google Maps tips and tricks. Here are 13 excellent tips and tricks for Google Maps.
The above article may contain affiliate links which help support Guiding Tech. However, it does not affect our editorial integrity. The content remains unbiased and authentic.Read Next13 Best Google Maps Tips to Use in 2019Also See#apple #comparison
Did You Know
Google Maps lets you save your parking location.
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With new cycling directions and alerts for speed cameras and red‑light cameras, Maps makes it easier, safer, and more environmentally friendly to get where you need to go with any of your Apple devices. And with Guides to help you find the best places to eat, shop, and explore, you’ll have more to do and experience when you get there.
Getting around doesn’t get much easier.
Find the best way to bike there.
You can now use Maps to get cycling directions that route you along bike lanes, paths, and roads.1 Maps takes elevation into account, so you’ll be alerted if there are steep passages along the way or if you’ll need to carry your bike up stairs. You can also choose a route that avoids busier roads. And Maps offers custom cycling voice guidance and a rich experience on Apple Watch that makes it easy to navigate with a glance.
Coming Soon Take charge of your trip with EV routing.
Now it’s easier to plan trips and find the best route for your electric vehicle. Maps can track your current vehicle charge and factor in things like elevation to automatically add charging stops along the way. It knows which type of charger works for your car, making sure to route you to compatible stations.3 And it even accounts for charging time when calculating your ETA.
A helpful heads-up to slow down.
Maps lets you know when you’re approaching speed cameras and red‑light cameras along your route so you can anticipate potential slowing traffic ahead. You can also see where individual cameras are located on the map.
Plan your trip with real‑time transit info.
Real‑time transit information lets you see detailed transit schedules, live departure times, arrival times, the current location of the bus or train on your route, and system connections to help you plan your journey. It also includes important real‑time information like outages.4
Discover new ways to explore new places.
Explore the best of where you’re going with Guides.
Apple Maps editors have worked with trusted brands and partners to offer Guides that make recommendations for the best places to visit in cities around the world to eat, shop, meet friends, or explore.5 You can save Guides so you can easily get back to them later. And they automatically update when new places are added, so you always have the latest recommendations. You can also create your own personal Guides and share them with friends and family.
Some of the most recognized names in publishing have partnered with us to create Guides that present distinctive curated collections of must‑see city attractions. And there are more on the way.
Your everyday favorites. Just a tap away.
Whether it’s home, work, the gym, or your kid’s school, the places you visit most often are displayed for quick, one‑tap navigation when you open Maps on your devices or on your dashboard with CarPlay.
Find your way around major airports and malls.
With Indoor Maps, you can navigate more easily inside major airports and shopping centers around the world. Find out which restaurants are past security at the airport, where the nearest restroom is, or what floor your favorite store is on at the mall.
Get a 3D preview of where you’re going with Look Around.
Explore select cities with an interactive 3D experience that gives you a 360‑degree view of a place. And enjoy smooth and seamless transitions as you navigate your way around.
Proactive suggestions help you stay one step ahead.
Maps displays a list of the places you’re most likely to go, so you can get directions to any of the locations with just a tap. If you have an upcoming flight, it gives you up‑to‑the‑moment information about terminals, gate locations, departure times, and more. Delete iphoto app from mac sierra.
Take in a bird’s‑eye view of your favorite cities with Flyover.
Google Maps App For Iphone
See select major metro areas from the air with photo‑realistic, immersive 3D views. You can move your device through space to experience a city from above, or explore in high resolution as you zoom, pan, tilt, and rotate around the city and its landmarks.6
Wherever you go, your location information always stays private.
Maps helps you find your way without compromising your privacy. Personalized alerts and suggestions, like letting you know when it’s time to leave for your next appointment, are created using data on your device. And the data that is sent to Maps while you use the app — such as search terms, navigation routing, and traffic information — is associated with random identifiers instead of your Apple ID.
Resources
See which features are available in your country or region