Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Which Is Better?

[sloheim]

I prefer Google Maps because of the satellite view while driving (I prefer that to the cartoon-looking, non-satellite views in both apps). Plus Google's POI are far superior.

I want to like Apple Maps, but just can't get there.

 

[d-klumpp]

Now I use no Google products knowingly. Apple Maps is fine for my needs, and I will never forget the time years ago that Google Maps had me walk over a mile in exactly the opposite direction of my destination.

 

[spinedoc77]

For myself Apple maps will NEVER be better until they have crowd sourced alerts, that's completely changed how I use navigation software.

 

[humanplease]

I love Apple Maps for whole integration with my hompods to Apple Watch to iphone to car play, and use it mainly locally when I don't need direction but the traffic situation and my arrival time to pick the kids from school or from their practices, and share my arrival With them so they are not keep calling, " Dad where are you"

but there is an big issue using Apple Maps, for example, sometime when you are going for 5-7 miles and don't feel like getting on highway and wanna use a quite and winding side road, Apple map will keep pushing you back to express way by asking to to make u turn or side turns and say F***. y** I know the way, when I do the same with Google, it is just brilliant, it actually figures out my mood and will not ask me to make a u turn or other turn, it will start directing me with sad road, I am choosing to go. and that's why when I am on loan road trips I hands down use Google maps with full confidence, I will get the best navigation and by the way I also use ' On the way' Car play app which tells me any severe weather on the way.

 

[bigchrisfgb]

Even today the only thing better about Apple Maps is it's pre-installed. Google Maps is better in every way.

Not in the U.K.
For directions Apple Maps is much better, in places where it’s available, Lookaround is better than Street view, the only thing better on Google maps is the satellite imagery.

 

[LIVEFRMNYC]

I actually like Apple Maps better than Google Maps nowadays. But Waze is my go to 99% of the time.

 

[turbineseaplane]

Folks worrying Google Maps collecting your location and speed data..

Let me introduce you to what your car is doing (if it's even remotely new-ish)

 

[ghostface147]

Apple Maps works just fine for me. If it's a remote location I am headed to for work or some new construction area off the beaten path, then I'll double check with Google Maps.

 

[Macman1138]

I always use Apple Maps. I do wish it had some features of Waze though.

 

[canyonblue737]

I use Apple Maps 95% of the time. The UI is better than anything out there and the accuracy is good enough in the USA for the vast, vast majority of places. Is still do find it has issues with more obscure things, like a specific parking lot at a stadium, or providing a common sense entry to some places like a Church etc. taking you to the wrong side but its rare enough I can kind sense when it doesn't make sense and I double check it with Google Maps (which is ugly and getting worse UI these days.) I will use Waze when on long highway drives (think multi-hour, across a state or to another state) strictly because nothing comes close to alerting for law enforcement, Waze misses almost no police and always alerts... Google and Apple do alert but don't show an exact location and seem to only alert to maybe 25-50% of the locations.

 

[cutler]

My experience is that Apple Maps looks nicer and the directions work fine, but if you don't have an exact address, it's still much worse than Google Maps at figuring out your intended location when you type in just the name of a place (e.g. "McDonald's" in Apple Maps might take me to one 5 miles away but in Google Maps it would find one .3 miles away).

 

[xSushi]

I’ve been using Apple Maps exclusively across Los Angeles county for 3+ years and it’s rarely off for me.

I’ve poked around on Google this week, besides being quite jarring to look at and not very integrated for me (contacts, calendars, etc as i’m more apple eco-centric). I don’t miss it one bit.

 

[coolfactor]

Sadly google maps is still just better. I mainly use waze though.

It's important to remember that such comments are subjective to use cases. So adding "better for me" is often more accurate.

Apple Maps has been a better experience for me. I've tried Google Maps for GPS navigation and often found it slow to respond, or not at all. But that was years ago now.

Google Maps does do address completion better, but Apple Maps has improved so much, it's now my go-to for everything.

 

[Christopher Kim]

Living in Los Angeles (we have to drive everywhere), I have had Google Maps, Apple Maps and Waze installed on my phone for a long time. Over the last 2 years, I've switched primarily to Apple Maps when driving. Here are my various considerations:

Apple Maps:
- Love the 3D look / UI of the map. If you live in one of the major cities that has these very detailed maps, it looks great while driving. I sometimes just put the map up in CarPlay (even when not using the GPS directions) just to see it
- Integration with Apple Watch and Siri (as many have mentioned)
- Traffic - when I first look up a destination, it shows me a few routes and their estimated traffic times. They generally are "main routes" (eg. large streets). You choose the one you want at the beginning, and then it sticks to it, and doesn't switch you mid-route if traffic has built such that there's a faster route

Waze:
- I use this only when I know I'm driving during rush hour / busy times, and I *need* to go on the fastest route to get somewhere on time (especially on longer drives, eg. 45min/1hr+)
- I like how Waze will adjust the route if traffic builds on your existing route. HOWEVER, big caveat, I've also noticed that sometimes, Waze's "fastest route algorithm" doesn't seem to account perfectly for: difficulty / build-up in making left turns (eg. busy intersection without a long advanced green / you have to go through multiple light cycles green>red before you can make the turn), or left turn at an intersection without a traffic light, during busy times when it can take awhile to get a break in traffic in both directions to make the turn. I sometimes wish Waze had a setting where you could specify the minimum estimated time savings before switching a route, especially getting off a highway. Like I wouldn't want to change my route if the estimated savings is only 4mins, when there's that much wiggle room with traffic lights, etc. where their estimate is wrong).

Google Maps:
- I still use this when I need to look-up a destination quickly (especially on my computer) to get a rough sense of where it is and how far away it is
- As many have mentioned, I dislike the ads creep over the last few years, and with the improved detailed 3D maps in AM recently, I much prefer the Apple Maps UI and map detail
- Smaller consideration, but as someone deep in the Apple ecosystem (and only use Google for Gmail), I prefer to keep my data tracking to Apple on the margin

 

[mickobizzle]

.

 

[Bawstun]

Which one doesn't track you and tells advertisers where you are or where you go?

Neither.

 

[technicalFoozle]

Apple Maps:

1. Siri integration is great, especially when driving a motorcycle and not having any ability to use my hands.
2. 3d maps are better especially when dealing with some of San Francisco's more complicated highway onramps that are under bridges
3. Apple Watch buzzing is very nice, especially when walking.
4. Lock Screen map while navigating is great for a quick glance at where I am
5. Actual directions are generally as good as Google.
6. Transit directions are as good as Google

I'd occasionally use Google Maps if I lost cell phone service and needed to start navigation within a downloaded maps area but Apple has matched that functionality so I haven't used Google in awhile.

I do think the quality of Apple's navigation varies based on where you are though. I don't have any data to back that up.

 

[allseeingi’s]

We both have iPhones and I also have an Apple Watch , wife prefers Apple Maps , she said it’s less cluttered and easier to use and seems to have got better over time.

I tend to use Google Maps more now , but recently have noticed it’s taken me on longer routes so will monitor a bit longer and possibly switch to Apple Maps for comparison. I’ve only used Waze a few times , does seem good too .

 

[Chuckeee]

If I’m concerned about traffic, I use Waze. If I’m only concerned about just finding a good route, I’ll use Google maps.

Usually once or twice a year I’ll try Apple Maps again and every time it disappoints usually within a day or two, Apple Maps will provide some really idiotic routing instructions.

For example, I was driving on the freeway and for the most direct route, the exit was closed because of construction. This was through a fairly urban area with freeway exit every mile or so. Apple Maps solution was for me to continue on the freeway for 48 miles ! for an exit, get off then go back on the freeway the other way And then get off at the exit before the construction, totally idiotic. Switch to Waze and their instruction was to get off at the next exit.

 

[mattopotamus]

I've always preferred the look for Apple Maps.

 

[bkaus]

Google maps for POI.

Apple Maps for navigation & transit directions. I feel I understand the Apple Maps transit interface better ( it don’t use either frequently for transit).

 

[Pasqualem]

I very much dislike google maps. have driven all over the country with Apple Maps and much prefer it in every way.

 

[bebarhood]

Apple Maps doesn’t work in Saudi Arabia.

Google Maps is the reference navigation app over here. It’s just like Google search.

 

[macmac30]

Apple Maps has been providing navigational guidance to Apple users for almost 13 and a half years now, and much has changed about the app in that time. However, according to data from Canalys, the overwhelming majority of iPhones in the U.S. still have Google Maps downloaded as an alternative to Apple Maps, which comes preinstalled on all iPhones. We want to hear from MacRumors readers. Which do you prefer to get you from A to B?

Launched in September 2012, Apple Maps was quickly criticized for having incomplete and inaccurate mapping data, which led some iPhone users on dangerous routes. Apple CEO Tim Cook offered a rare public apology for the frustration it caused customers, and iOS chief Scott Forstall was ousted just one month later.

Since then, Apple has made significant improvements to Apple Maps, building in new features and correcting lingering errors. Real-time traffic information and navigation options for pedestrians were added to Maps in 2013, which is also the same year Maps was extended to OS X. In 2015, Maps was updated with "Nearby," a feature that offers up local points of interest and transit directions in a handful of cities.

In early 2020, Apple completed an overhaul of its maps in the United States, adding significantly greater detail including updated buildings, parks, sports fields, pools, and more. A Look Around feature in select cities is similar to Google's Street View, and the updated maps have been rolling out to more countries in the time since. In iOS 15, Apple introduced immersive walking directions shown in augmented reality, curated guides for select cities, real-time transit updates, and more road details for enhanced driving navigation. In iOS 16 it gained multi-stop routing. And in iOS 17, Apple made it possible to download maps for offline use – something Google Maps users have been able to do for quite some time.

Have Apple's incremental improvements been enough for it to be considered an equal to Google Maps in users' eyes? Of course, Google developers have not stood idly by watching Apple Maps' gradual evolution. Google has introduced several enhancements aimed at enriching the user experience through advanced AI technology and more immersive visualization tools, and has even taken a leaf or two out of Apple's book.

One notable recent update in this regard is the Immersive View for Routes, which provides a comprehensive preview of a user's journey, whether they are driving, walking, or cycling. Launched last year, the tool combines billions of Street View and aerial images to create an intricate digital representation of the world, allowing users to visually navigate through bike lanes, sidewalks, intersections, and parking spaces along their route. It also includes a dynamic time slider indicating how conditions such as air quality and weather change throughout the day, helping users plan their trips with more precision.

Another significant improvement is the integration of Lens in Maps, an evolution of the Search with Live View feature. Leveraging AI and augmented reality, Lens in Maps helps users get their bearings in a new location by providing information about nearby amenities like ATMs, transit stations, and dining options. The feature has since been expanded to over 50 cities.

Google Maps has also rolled out updates to make navigation maps more reflective of real-world conditions. These include more detailed and realistic representations of buildings and improved lane guidance on highways. For electric vehicle owners, Google Maps also offers information on charging stations, including compatibility details, charger speed, and the last usage time.

Despite these concurrent improvements to Google Maps, their combined effect hasn't stopped users coming away impressed by how far Apple's navigational guidance has come. Based on anecdotal reports, the app is increasingly recommended by users for its cleaner view versus the more cluttered design of Google Maps.

Likely thanks to its disastrous launch, Apple Maps still gets a bad rap among some users, but Apple's continued efforts to improve the app appear to have helped reverse some of those opinions. "Maps has come a long way, and people have noticed," Craig Federighi, Apple's head of software, said at WWDC 2023. Are you more or less likely to use Apple Maps these days? Let us know in the comments.

Article Link: Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Which Is Better?

The only thing preventing me from switch to Apple Maps is the hundreds of marked favorite places in Google Maps going back over a decade for all my travels. Is there an easy way to import these into Apple Maps??? I would switch if there is.

 

[jdang307]

I like how Apple maps integrates with my watch and and apple play but ... it's been wrong so many times with directions it's unusable. Wife travels a lot and it's sent her to dead ends, wrong side of the address, etc. Google Maps is 100% better in our experience.