At Apple's WWDC 2021, the company announced many exciting updates for Apple Maps. While the native navigation app for iOS, iPadOS, and macOS has taken a backseat to Google Maps over the years, the new updates packed into iOS 15 will help Apple Maps up its game.

With a fresh coat of paint and a lot more, will Apple Maps finally pose a threat to Google's dominance? Let's take a look.

What's New in Apple Maps in iOS 15?

First, let's look at what's coming to Apple Maps in the latest update, later in 2021.

A More Aesthetically Pleasing Design

Exploration has never looked better, as Apple Maps introduces a freshly redesigned visual look. This includes richer elevation data, rich labels, and much higher detail for roads, neighborhoods, trees, buildings, and 3D landmarks.

San Francisco's Golden Gate Bridge, Coit Tower, Ferry Building, and the Palace of Fine Arts were showcased during the WWDC21 presentation.

A Moonlit Glow for Night Use

A nighttime mode with a moonlit glow was added for a cooler user experience in the dark hours. Besides the upgraded viewing experience, this adds no practical functionality. But if you're someone who hates bright light modes, this will enhance the experience.

More Important Details for Drivers

When driving, you'll be treated to a closer view of important details to help you see and understand important road elements. These include turn lanes, medians, bus and taxi lanes, bike lanes, crosswalks, and more.

The addition of these markers will help you more safely navigate complex intersections in 3D, especially when driving on highways. This makes it much easier for you to predict traffic conditions or decide which lane to get in.

Notifications for Transit Users and AR Features

Outside of driving, Apple Maps is also adding new features that makes getting around on foot and public transportation easier. You'll be able to pin your favorite transit routes and view nearby stations and transit times.

If you have an Apple Watch, you can also keep track of nearby public transit stops and station information on your device. You'll receive automatic updates and notifications as you approach your final destination, without needing to take your phone out of your pocket.

If you lose your way, you can get to your destination with step-by-step directions viewable in AR. These appear simply by scanning your surroundings with your phone camera. Apple Maps will then generate a highly accurate guide, delivering detailed instructions to help you complete your journey.

What Google Maps Has That Apple Maps Doesn't

Despite Apple's efforts to catch up with Google Maps, there are still some areas where Google is one step ahead. Let's look at where Apple Maps still has work to do.

Timely and Detailed Recommendations

One edge that Google Maps has over Apple Maps is its timely and tailored recommendations. At 8:00am, it will recommend you relevant places, like breakfast and coffee spots. Then later in the evening, you will instead see recommended dinner restaurants around your area highlighted.

Google Maps can also see which places you have been to and suggest similar spots based on your personal activity. If you are in a new city, the service makes it easier for you to find local landmarks with just a tap.

Area of Busyness

Google Maps offers real-time updates on the level of busyness of local landmarks, restaurants, shops, and the neighborhood to help you plan your day. This feature lets you understand at a glance whether it's the right time for you to make your visit.

Enhanced and Integrated AR Features

Google Maps also offers enhanced integration of its AR features in its area of busyness capabilities and place reviews, something Apple Maps is missing. By pointing your camera at any restaurant, you can find its operating hours and how busy it is, see photos of popular dishes, and check restaurant reviews.

While Apple Maps now offer AR directions, Google Maps is one step ahead as its AR directional features also work indoors. This provides you guidance even in airports, transit stations, and malls.

Google Maps vs. Apple Maps: Who's the Winner?

While Apple Maps is definitely ahead in the aesthetics game, the level of detail pales in comparison to Google Maps. Google's offering provides valuable looks at how busy a location is, as well as handy integration Google reviews that allow you to plan your day effectively.

Apple Maps has a long way to go, considering Google Maps has added AR support to make this handy information even more convenient to reach.

Nevertheless, the competition between the two is narrowing, and each has its own loyalty perks. If you have a vehicle with Apple CarPlay, you'll be able to enjoy these new features on your car's display later in 2021.

Through Apple Maps, CarPlay can predict where you are going. It does this using addresses from your email, text messages, contacts, and calendars. And with a more detailed map, turn‑by‑turn spoken directions, and immersive 3D visuals, you'll have a more pleasant journey than ever soon.

Besides Apple Maps and Google Maps, don't forget that there are other navigation services worth considering, too. They aren't as well-known, but could be the right solutions for you.

Map Loyalty Has Benefits

If you prefer a simple and well-designed map, Apple Maps will more than meet your needs. It also serves up an intuitive user experience when paired with your other Apple devices.

However, for those who base their navigation on a great deal of information, Google Maps still has a lot more to offer. Google Maps is available in some form on just about every device, while Apple Maps is more limited. Should you ever find yourself with a new device and in need of directions, your existing familiarity with Google Maps will serve you well.

Logging in with your Google account also automatically syncs all your data. So whether you pledge your loyalty to Apple or Google, sticking with one gives you a tailored user experience.

Image Credits: Apple