Apple Maps is a free navigation app for iPhones and iPad that provides turn-by-turn directions. Google Maps is the world’s most comprehensive and accurate map. It has precise information about millions of businesses and places all over the world, and it’s constantly updated with new information from users like you. You’ll also get live traffic updates, public transportation information, street view photography, and more because it’s built on top of Google’s powerful mapping technology. You may search for anything in your city or around the world to receive immediate answers, including restaurants near me, movie schedules near me, and even how far away that dream vacation site is. Furthermore, there are no advertisements! So, regardless of whether you
Everyone assumed that Google Maps had finally arrived as a true competition when Apple released its own mapping engine in iOS 6. Some speculated that Apple’s new navigation system would be too powerful to compete with Google Maps. Apple Maps, on the other hand, proved to be a half-baked idea following its introduction in 2016. I didn’t think Apple Maps had a chance back then, but things have evolved tremendously since then, and Apple Maps now appears to be a legitimate rival. Given the differences, a comparison of Google Maps versus Apple Maps is required to establish which is preferable. So, here’s a head-to-head comparison of all the major fronts!
Which is better to use Google Maps or Apple Maps?
Only a thorough investigation can reveal more information when two of the most feature-rich applications compete for first place. To get a valid conclusion, I did a thorough investigation. I compared Apple Maps to Google Maps using the six most important characteristics.
I compared Apple Maps and Google Maps in six categories to demonstrate the advantages and disadvantages. Following a thorough comparison of the two services, a decision is reached based on the findings. Let’s get this duel started now that you know how it’ll go!
A Retrospective
Google Maps started in 2005 with high expectations at a time when cell phones were still in their infancy. The software was designed to help passengers get from one destination to another and was first only available on PCs. The navigation software, which was first launched in 2012, had 3D buildings in major towns, 3D topography including mountains, video playback of driving directions, and an integrated Google Search.
Google Maps was the main mapping program for Apple mobile devices until Apple Maps was introduced in 2012 (iOS 6). In addition to challenging Google Maps’ monopoly, Apple developed its own mapping technology to provide a competitive alternative for Apple devices. Unfortunately, things did not go as planned. Apple CEO Tim Cook issued an apology in mid-September after the Apple Maps app, which was released in September 2012, turned out to be a badly built product. In addition, as a result of the catastrophe, the corporation had to fire two critical employees.
Apple Maps was largely worthless until iOS 13 and iPad 13 (both released in 2019), at which point they became nearly unusable. Apple has opted to stop using third-party navigation data and instead rely on information provided by its own staff. This is the outcome that everyone can see. Apple Maps has been getting better, and it now has some traffic features. Apple Maps has taken a step forward with the addition of bike routes, electric car routing, congestion zones, and tips.
User-Interface Design
The user interface is the first thing I look at when I install new software. For a simple and enjoyable experience, a smooth and quick interface is required. Google Maps, on the other hand, has opted for a bolder look with large text and symbols. In Google Maps, the colors are more vibrant, and the lettering is larger. As a result, Google Maps locations are more straightforward to comprehend.
In Apple Maps, the search bar is at the bottom, while the information button is in the top-right corner. The information button can be used to switch between different traffic displays, such as transit, map, and satellite. You can also choose to have it turned on or off, based on your preferences. The Google Search app is now available on the App Store for download. This mobile search engine also features a Walk Around button that takes you to a street-level perspective similar to Google Maps’ famed Street View.
Custom iconography for landmarks has been chosen by Apple Maps, which I think is a wonderful idea. Finally, at the bottom right, the current weather and the AQI (Air Quality Index) are presented. Although we’ve discussed why Apple Maps is superior to Google Maps, there’s more to the tale. One of the most intriguing features of Apple Maps is that it includes local guides for a number of different locales. People can use this site to look through lists of alternative sites to have a better idea of where to go on vacation. You can also save sites as favorites, choose a preferred mode of transportation, and share your exact location with others, among other things.
Google Maps has a search field as well as three display modes: Terrain, Satellite, and Default. Traffic, Transit, COVID-19, and Bicycling may all be turned on and off using the layers icon. The 3D button allows you to see the world in three dimensions. In addition, Street View is available at any time to view and explore 360-degree horizontal and 290-degree vertical panoramic street-level photographs of places across the world. To assist you in getting around, the app contains numerous categories such as Shopping, Food, and others.
Contribute and Updates are two more Google Maps features that allow you to post and accept place feedback. The former keeps track of events and places you’re interested in and lets you browse them. By submitting feedback, you can earn badges. If you enjoy exploring, this is really handy. You can also save locations and view them based on certain parameters.
Both programs feature a range of functionalities in terms of the user interface, albeit they have different toolbars; Google Maps’ is at the bottom. There’s also an additional annoyance. Google Maps has a variety of functions, including tabbed pages like Explore, Commute, Saved, Go, Contribute, and Update. The Explore page of the app, for example, displays the most popular routes and lets you bookmark your own preferences. For example, the Commute option gives you instant access to the best possible route, while the Saved page allows you to quickly locate all of your saved places. To check out recent searches, saved places/favorites, and frequently visited locations under My Places in Apple Maps, go to the bottom of the page and pull up the tab. The 3D option appears when viewing the maps in Satellite mode.
Efficacy of Navigation
Apple Maps’ use of vector graphics gives the satellite image an outstanding photo-realistic quality. Google’s satellite image, on the other hand, appears to be more realistic. Google Maps and Apple Maps provide arrival time estimations based on current traffic conditions. The blue markings on your map indicate that there is little or no traffic, whereas the red marks indicate that there is a lot of traffic. Normal traffic is allowed in the yellow zone. Both apps, like each other, provide a variety of alerts, such as road closures and collisions.
Users may now report incidents and speed checks along the road, thanks to a recent update from Apple. Apple Maps incident reporting is comparable to Google Maps in terms of features. We were able to use the feature when it was still available in the US and China, so it appears to have gone nationwide at this point.
Transit Directions, another intriguing feature of Apple Maps, allows users to see the schedules and routes for various modes of public transit, such as subway trains, trams, and buses. It is, however, only available in a few handfuls of cities around the world. Google Maps, on the other hand, has been providing public transportation instructions for years. They can also be found nearly anywhere on the earth.
According to a Conduent survey of 180 million users, Google Maps is more accurate in forecasting how traffic would affect your travel. The app displays red trip time on the map to keep you aware of excessive traffic. It also contains more essential choices on the main screen, such as a quick search, directions, and compass, making it very easy to find everything you need while on the road.
By sliding down from any screen, you can get directions to a hotel, restaurant, or another location on the menu. Although Apple Maps provides additional information, you must open the information panel and pick each category to see the details. From the user’s perspective, it doesn’t feel seamless or natural.
Accuracy
When it came to accuracy, the Apple Maps app was once a laughingstock. Because the maps were so inadequate, it was impossible to rely on the app’s traffic or mapping data for navigation. Apple took a long time to fix the most critical faults, but it now successfully competes with Google Maps.
In terms of accuracy, Google Maps, on the other hand, has an advantage over Apple Maps due to its amount of data. Google, for example, outperforms the competition when it comes to balancing navigation and landmarks. Although Google Maps normally provides accurate arrival estimates, Apple Maps appears to be regularly caught in the guessing game.
To double-check the directions, I sought them up in a nearby village called Motijheel. My iPhone offered a 2.3-kilometer quickest route (which is inaccurate) and estimated that driving would take 12 minutes. It told me that bus and bike directions were unavailable, despite the fact that they were.
Motijheel was tied to a lot of prominent positions and training programs, I discovered. It also has a large number of educational institutions and public libraries. I used Google Maps to look up the same destination (Motijheel from my current location) and found the fastest path (2.7 km, 15 minutes) for cars and bicycles (It even offered a step-by-step guide to get you there).
Privacy and Security
Everyone is concerned about security and privacy these days, particularly when it comes to apps. If you want to have the best of both worlds, you’ll have to choose between Google Maps and Apple Maps. It’s worth emphasizing that Apple is primarily a hardware company, whereas Google is mostly a data-driven advertising company. The success of advertising, which demands data collection, is a major source of money for Google.
Despite the fact that Google Maps contains a number of privacy-friendly features, such as Incognito Mode, the main issue is that they do not live up to their promises. Google associates every piece of data it collects with your personal identification. It has been thoroughly prepared to generate your profile using all of your personal data.
Even if you choose to delete a section of the assembled data, your name will remain on the hotlist. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re concerned about your privacy or wish to remain anonymous while using the navigation program.
There’s no need to be concerned if Google is transparent about the data it collects while complying with the privacy protocol. Even if licenses are not granted, this is quite concerning, especially when it is carried out in secret. A recent example of this is a situation in which the same problem has occurred.
To begin, Apple has included a plethora of privacy-focused features, like dependable app tracking, increased location monitoring management, the option to restrict an app from acquiring your actual geographic location, and more than protect you across the Apple ecosystem. The best thing about Apple’s mapping software is that it has a strong track record of protecting customer privacy.
Add to that, Flipkart is offering a 15-day “Love It or Return It” trial period for Samsung’s Galaxy Z Flip 3 and Z Fold 3 for the first time.
Platforms that are supported
Apple has made it clear that it wants to keep its top apps and services within the Apple ecosystem. Apple Maps is compatible with iOS, iPadOS, watchOS, and macOS because it shouldn’t be. This means that Apple’s navigation software is excellent for you if you’re happy to stay within the confines of the walled garden. However, if you aren’t a part of the Apple ecosystem, you won’t be able to get your hands on it.
Google Maps, on the other hand, is available on a range of platforms. So, regardless of whether you’re using iOS, Android, macOS, or Windows, you may use Google’s navigation software without any restrictions.
Characteristics that Stand Out
Both Google Maps and Apple Maps include a number of extra features that enhance their overall utility. Here’s a quick review of what they have to offer, as well as how they differ from one another.
- Google Assistant, widely regarded as the smartest personal assistant, supports voice activation in Apple Maps. As a result, you can use the Assistant to receive instructions and complete chores while on the go. Of course, Siri on iOS is significantly limited, so you won’t get the same experience as you would on an iPhone or iPad. Apple’s Siri is also included.
- You’ll love Siri’s integration with Apple Maps and the simple sailing navigation experience the virtual assistant provides on iOS/iPad. However, due to their remarkable intelligence and ease of use, the combination of Google Assistant and Google Maps is impossible to top.
- Support for dark mode isn’t just limited to Google/Apple maps apps. Both applications may be used to navigate in dark mode, which is much easier. Dark mode has recently been added to the Google Maps app for iOS devices.
- Offline navigation is possible. When you don’t have access to Wi-Fi or mobile data, this comes in useful. You must first download a topic of interest in order to participate in the program. Your offline maps will guide you to your location if your internet connection is slow or unavailable.
- Keep in mind that you may use this device normally, but its built-in features give it a lot more versatility.
- Google Maps has a feature that I was unaware of until lately. It allows you to send messages to businesses (if messaging is enabled). You can use the Chat option to find restaurants and cafés and connect with them. Conversations will appear in your updates section, where you will be able to handle them easily.
Both of these map apps have a lot of features in similar, but Google Maps takes it a step further with some extra functions.
The Benefits and Drawbacks of Using a Prioritizer
Google Maps
Pros:
- GPS navigation with a lot of features is quite precise.
- It works with nearly any operating system.
- It can automatically transition between different means of transportation.
- Support for offline maps
Cons:
- There is a lack of security and privacy.
The Final Word
Google Maps is the clear winner based on the aforementioned criteria. privacy and security Despite the fact that Apple’s navigation software has vastly improved, Google Maps still outperforms it in almost every way. As a user, that’s exactly what you’d want to have at your disposal. It’s easy to see why Google Maps is one of the most popular online mapping services. Google Maps is an exceptional navigation application in its own right, with a plethora of information that can be rapidly obtained at a glance, improved accuracy, more tailored recommendations, and a host of useful features.
However, I am aware that utilizing Apple Maps rather than Google Maps has more advantages. If you’re an Apple user who lives in a country or region where all of Apple Maps’ key features are available and you place high importance on privacy, Apple’s navigation software may be a better option for you. The app’s deep interaction with Siri, extensive iOS ecosystem and improved accuracy make it a safe bet.
Is It Really Worth It to Switch to Google Maps? Is switching from Apple Maps to Google Maps ever worthwhile?
I’m presuming you’ve finally found a great map app for your device. As I previously indicated, if privacy isn’t a key concern (which varies from person to person), it’s difficult to think of another option. Additionally, Apple Maps is a more enticing option if you want to keep your identity hidden.
If you asked me, despite being a privacy-conscious individual and belonging to the Apple ecosystem, I would prefer Google Maps. I’m not sure whether I’m the only one that has trouble making decisions. But, which of these navigation apps do you prefer, and why? Please let us know what you think in the comments section below.