At first I was excited at the idea of Apple doing their own Maps app. But when I saw the final product, I was shocked to see how lacking was the database of Apple Maps in comparison to Google's. I told myself to give them time... and I did.
Google Maps finally released their app a few months ago and I've never looked back at Apple's until today when I saw this thread. I thought I'd give it a second look to see if it's improving... and sadly, it's still as shi**y as it was on day one. Of course, I'm talking about the locations I live in. I spend six months in Lebanon and the other six in Saudi Arabia. So I don't really find use of the growing list of cities in USA and Europe that are getting flyover and 3D imagery.
In brief, Apple's maps lack loads of information, most of the streets are not even there, some of the satellite imagery is in black and white with clouds covering some areas, AND turn-by-turn navigation is unavailable with Apple but it is with Google (I use an iPhone 4), those are only a fraction of the things where Google Maps is better than Apple Maps...
Here are some screenshots for comparison purposes:
Example 1:
Obvious difference in level of detail of the streets. It gets worse for Apple and better for Google when going even closer.
Example 2:
Searching for a town in a different country. Apple doesn't even find anything while Google gives more than one suggestion.
Example 3:
Again, massive difference in level of details. Seriously? not only streets, but whole towns are missing in Apple's maps.
Example 4:
Satellite imagery. Cloudy much? and lacking color. *facepalm*
Example 5:
Driving directions and turn-by-turn. Google even has voice over for it. Who said I needed 4S or above for Siri?
I've always had faith in Apple, but when it comes to the Maps App, I'm not sure they'll improve up to Google's levels in the next year or two. I don't get it how Apple can be so perfectionist to the finest details in some aspects while in others (like this one), you feel the lack of quality... let's hope that by iOS7 this will all change. If the recently updated Podcasts app is any sign, they're gonna make iOS7 (and hopefully including Maps as well) a bigger and better upgrade than what iOS6 was.