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For about five years,Google Mapsthe undisputed king of mapping apps available on smartphones.
ThenApple Mapscame along and replaced Google Maps on the iPhone, putting Apple squarely in competition with Google.
So which service is the best?
Jason Montoya / How-To Geek
At first, Apple Maps was largely criticized and teased for being well behind Google Maps.
It was so bad that Tim Cookissued a public apologyshortly after the launch in September 2012.
In the decade since, Apple has been hard at work bringing Maps up to speed.
Google Maps vs Apple Maps
Let’s see how it compares.
Not all of the features mentioned here are available on the desktop/tablet versions.
First, it’s probably obvious that Apple Maps is only available on Apple devices.
Google Maps vs Apple Maps
That includes theiPhone,iPad,Mac, andApple Carplay.
You cankinda use Apple Maps in the internet tool, but only if you useDuckDuckGo.
Google Maps, on the other hand, is available pretty much everywhere, including the aforementioned Apple devices.
Google Maps vs Apple Maps
It’s the clear winner in this category.
Nowadays, Apple Maps is much more reliable.
Both services provide similar routes for getting to most places, though there are still some differences.
Related:Where Does Google Maps Get Its Traffic Data From?
It’s helpful for knowing exactly what you better do without being glued to the screen.
Visually, the two services look very similar in navigation mode.
One visual difference is Apple Maps can’t display a satellite view in navigation mode.
This category is very close.
I really appreciate Apple’s extra little hints for where to turn when navigating around.
But I also really like how Google prioritizes fuel efficiency and traffic conditions when making a route.
You’ve probably seen the signs at businesses asking for reviews on Google Maps—this is why.
It’s a big deal.
Google also incentivizes reviews with the"Local Guides" program.
Related:What Is a “Local Guide” in Google Maps?
Apple Maps, on the other hand, does not accept reviews—it sources reviews from Yelp.
(We’ve also seen it links to reviews from TripAdvisor.)
That’s hard to compete with.
How does that translate to the real world?
I checked a very popular location in my area on both Yelp and Google Maps.
Yelp had 233 reviews for the location, while Google Maps had a whopping 9,660.
There’s a clear winner here.
Business Information
Reviews are just one piece of the puzzle when it comes to researching a location.
We’ll start with Apple Maps.
Lastly, you’ll see more details about hours.
Moving down, we have photos and then several tabs of more information.
The “Overview” tab includes most of what you need.
It’s honestly so much.
When you first open Google Maps.
It’s a lot on the screen at once, but the map takes up most of it.
Apple Maps just shows a search bar and your favorites.
The same minimalist approach can be seen on the actual maps too.
Google Maps has more icons for businesses, landmarks, and roads.
Some of it is useful—like busy areas—but some of it is just clutter.
Apple doesn’t show you as much information until you zoom in closer.
Apple’s simpler approach is refreshing.
That’s where offline maps come in handy.
For some people, this is a major make or break when it comes to choosing a map app.
Google Maps supports offline maps—and it has for a long time.
It’s pretty dang easy.
However, Google Maps is still top dog.
There’s just so much information available in Google Maps.
That’s a hindrance when it comes to UI, but a good thing in most other situations.
Google wins…for now.
