The GPS navigation app is one of the most used apps on a daily basis. Thus, all information must be accurate, reliable and easily accessible. There are two big players in this vertical: Apple Maps and Google Maps. I have used and analyzed both apps and made a detailed comparison between Apple Maps and Google Maps. Let’s see who wins!
Key Differences Between Apple Maps and Google Maps
Online maps provide recommendations for exploring new places, avoiding traffic jams, finding the right public transport, and more. We compare two of the most popular navigation apps. However, none of them can be called ideal. So it’s hard to decide: is Apple Maps better than Google Maps for iPhone users?
Apple Maps debuted in 2012 and initially failed to combine different data sources into a single mapping application. However, after much trial and error, it began to challenge Google in terms of user experience, feature set, and map detail. Although Google Maps comes preinstalled on the iPhone, it has a first mover advantage. In fact, it’s an endless debate.
So, before we dive in, let’s take a look at what both apps offer and how they can be improved.
| Apple Maps | Google Maps | |
| pros | ✅ 3D Look Around feature ✅ Efficient lane guidance and speed limit display ✅ No distractions on the navigation screen ✅ Check air quality and temperature ✅ Privacy | ✅ Advanced voice search ✅ Accurate directions ✅ Real-time traffic updates ✅ Suitable for web use ✅ Explore local attractions ✅ Download offline maps and directions |
| Minuses | ❌ Can’t download maps offline ❌ No internal location indications ❌ Doesn’t offer much location information | ❌ No data privacy❌ Offline maps need enough storage space❌ Street views are not updated regularly |
Pretty tug of war between both, right? Let me break it down and help you decide. Keep reading!
1. Map design and interface
It goes without saying that a navigation application should be clean, simple and easy to read so that everyone can understand the directions and instructions correctly. In this regard, Apple Maps is the clear winner. Let me tell you why.
Apple Maps offers a simple and intuitive interface. All functions are hidden under the search bar at the bottom. In addition, the user interface has muted background tones, highlighted routes, and a distinctive “Go”button that makes it stand out. On iPhone 14 Pro models, it shows instructions for the new Always-on-Display and Dynamic Island features.
On the other hand, there are many things in the Google Maps interface that block the actual map view. Also, all the features posted here are a bit confusing. You will notice that the streets and backgrounds are brighter. It uses green and gray to distinguish between nature and urban areas. Yellow and red highlight key roads and busy areas.
Shortcuts like “Restaurants”, “Shopping”, etc. below the search bar are helpful. You’ll find a menu of Explore and Contribute tabs at the bottom to discover new areas. In addition, the lock screen widget allows you to pin trips and perform quick searches. So, if you want a rewarding experience filled with many features, Google Maps is for you.
The only significant difference is the amount of additional information displayed, including businesses, secondary road names, etc. So both apps provide the information you need, but Apple’s “less is more”approach is much easier on the eyes. In addition, additional information and bright icons in Google Maps can sometimes be annoying.
2. Accuracy
The first question that arises for me when choosing: which is more accurate, Apple Maps or Google Maps?
When Apple Maps first launched, they had a problem with badly labeled broken maps. Thus, it was difficult to trust its traffic or map data for navigation. Fortunately, after significant improvements, this is no longer the case.
Now both Apple Maps and Google Maps are about equal in terms of accuracy. There is little difference in convenience. Google Maps seems to be well-suited to different needs and effectively shows you the best route possible. Apple Maps takes a few seconds longer and sometimes offers longer paths.
In addition, whenever a new road is in operation, any active construction or local business information changes, Google Maps updates its information in real time. Again, this is possible due to Google’s large user base, which collects and validates data quickly. In addition, it provides accurate arrival estimates, while Apple Maps, oddly enough, relies on guesswork.
In addition, Google Maps is a business directory with information such as business address, hours of operation, contact information, ratings and reviews, website link, etc. Apple only offers basic information. So it’s up to you to decide which app to use based on the amount of information you want. However, both options are error-prone and contain missing or incomplete data.
3. Navigation
Apple and Google Maps offer turn-by-turn directions. So there is not much difference between how they show directions and navigation for cyclists, driving, walking and public transport. In addition, both track the progress of your trip, including traffic, travel time and distance, your current expected arrival time, and the most up-to-date information.
Oddly enough, both apps provide comparable main routes with different route options. However, Google Maps allows you to plan your trip and add many stops to your itinerary. So you can use Google Maps as a trip planner on your iPhone. Apple Maps also has a multi-stop routing feature, mostly for gas or something to eat. But you cannot select a route to location A and continue your journey without setting up a new route.
You can view and share your estimated arrival time from both apps, but the Apple Maps Share ETA option is confusing. In addition, Google Maps has also begun prioritizing safety and reducing fuel consumption. Therefore, it analyzes real-time traffic data to find an efficient route that is less likely to cause an accident. You can also use Siri’s excellent voice capabilities to give directions while you drive.
If you’re taking public transit, both platforms contain data from different transit agencies, timetables, sharing providers, and status updates. But there is one catch. You can see how crowded public transport or a particular place is at any given moment on Google Maps. But Apple Maps only shows the location of the bus or train en route.
As a result of the increased convenience of travel planning, Google hardly wins the Apple Maps vs. Google Maps battle in this segment. But Apple Maps can be your indispensable tool for daily navigation and directions.
4. Real-time traffic data
Both Google Maps and Apple Maps have access to real-time traffic data and can alert you if there are any road closures, high traffic, etc. on your route. Naturally, both apps allow you to report problems to roads such as accidents, speed cameras or general hazards that can shorten travel time. Google has the advantage here with its “Commute”tool.
Google Maps also allows you to change your departure or arrival time, while Apple Maps does not. Apple Calendar offers a “travel time”feature that can do similar things, but you must turn it on and create a calendar event. Thus, it is a cumbersome procedure for iOS users. Google also benefits from all this additional historical and real-time data.
5. Privacy
Apple is always on top in terms of user privacy. You can delete your data at any time as long as it is stored on your iPhone. In addition, Apple does not disclose your location when requesting directions. Instead, it sends multiple requests with different IDs. After 24 hours, the app will convert your specific location to a less accurate one. In addition, it does not store any information about your location.
Apple has privacy-focused features like strong app tracking, advanced control over location tracking, preventing apps from getting your actual location, and more to protect your privacy across the Apple ecosystem. However, the most significant benefit of Apple and its mapping app is the consistent experience of protecting customer privacy.
On the other hand, Google Maps stores all data on a remote server that is not associated with your Apple ID. And as we know, Google uses a lot of your data to serve ads in specific regions. That’s why I always use incognito mode in Google Maps for iPhone. However, it’s still not as private as what Apple offers.
6. Attractions
Currently, navigation applications help to explore the area. Google Maps and Apple Maps show you what’s nearby, such as restaurants, gas stations, parking spaces, and other businesses or places of interest. Google Maps has an ‘Overview’ tab with multiple options and precise suggestions.
You’ll find images, chat options, contact information, opening hours, expected attendance, COVID-19 measures, and other business-related information. In addition, you can share your photos and provide feedback on the Contribute tab. But Apple Maps provides little information because it works with third-party services such as Yelp, Foursquare and TripAdvisor.
To help you explore, it offers a unique feature called Guides. It imports up-to-date journalistic information to help you familiarize yourself with any particular location. They are automatically updated, ensuring that you are always up to date with the latest developments.
Google is working on something similar called Vibe Check. It will provide a crowdsourced tool to help you find hidden treasures in an unfamiliar place. In addition, it promotes activities to see and do based on information provided by locals. However, Google Maps has not implemented this feature yet.
7. Unique features
In addition to basic navigation features, Google Maps and Apple Maps include many unique features.