When Apple Maps first launched alongside iOS 6 in 2012, the service was incomplete, inaccurate, and at times comical. Over the past decade, however, the app has significantly improved. iOS 16's release in 2022 saw the app take by far its biggest step toward competing with Google Maps.

So, is it finally time to jump ship from Google Maps to Apple Maps? Read on as we explore the differences and benefits of doing so from the perspective of an Apple user.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Availability

Apple Maps running on iPhones
Image Credit: Apple

Apple Maps is available on iOS, watchOS, and macOS devices. That includes the iPhone and iPad, Apple Watch, and Mac (running 10.11 El Capitan or later). There is no official browser version available, though you can use Apple Maps in your browser with a workaround.

Google Maps is available on just about every modern device, with dedicated apps for iOS and Android, wearables like the Apple Watch, and the original browser-based version on the web. Google also has a full-fledged atlas companion called Google Earth, which uses much of the same data.

You can use both Google Maps and Apple Maps offline. If you're new to Apple Maps, you might want to consider checking out our beginner's guide to using Apple Maps on your iPhone.

It's worth keeping in mind that some Apple Maps features, such as Speed Limits and Refine Location, are not available in all areas.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Accuracy

Google bought satellite imaging company Skybox for $500 million in 2014 to improve the accuracy of its mapping service. It also employs a huge number of staff to check and correct problems with the service. As a result, Google Maps is unsurprisingly quite accurate.

Apple Maps has drastically improved since the embarrassing start it had back in 2012. It's outstanding in urban areas, though you might have difficulties using the service in more rural parts of the world.

Google integrates many points of interest with its own search listings. Apple Maps pulls from Yelp, The Weather Channel, Foursquare, and TomTom. The discovery of amenities has improved significantly since Siri can now provide context-aware suggestions based on set criteria. Google does this, too of course, with more data and frequent updates.

The accuracy for Apple Maps and Google Maps might vary by country. For example, from personal experience, Apple Maps is often a better option in Germany and Austria.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Platform Integration

One area where Apple Maps excels is its OS-level integrations. For example, you can effortlessly send a route wirelessly from your Mac to your iPhone in just a click. Siri support allows you to create a route simply by asking, and if you use your iOS Calendar for meetings and appointments, you'll get traffic alerts and ETA announcements.

Apple Maps lets you use services like Uber and Lyft without needing to exit the app. CarPlay, Apple's in-car integration with iOS, lets you navigate using Apple Maps on your dashboard.

Google Maps also has integrations for ride-sharing apps, and you'll find a selection of bicycle and e-scooter rental versions—such as Donkey Republic and Lime—also available.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Driving and Navigation

Both Google and Apple Maps offer walking, public transportation, and driving directions with turn-by-turn navigation. (Google also offers support for cyclists, which we'll discuss later).

While driving, Google lets you fine-tune your journey with options like:

  • Playing navigation instructions via Bluetooth or as a phone call.
  • Avoiding highways, tolls, and ferries.
  • Traffic information, satellite view, and basic 3D buildings.
  • Parking detection to save your spot.

Apple Maps can match most of these features. You can avoid tolls and highways, but not ferries. Park detection is available at Settings > Maps. There's an automatic night mode, though you can't leave it on permanently. Navigation uses a 3D view for some cities, but support is thin outside the US.

Both navigation modes have a bright and pleasing interface, but users may find Apple Maps easier to follow.

Both Apple Maps and Google Maps let you add stops to your journey.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Transportation Options

Google Maps is arguably the better choice when picking alternative transportation options to driving, but the differences are marginal. The main benefit is that you can get cycling directions in more cities, which is especially useful if you live somewhere with a bike-friendly infrastructure.

Besides cycling, Google Maps shows directions for public transportation. You can also get flight directions for longer-distance journeys, along with the option to view prices and times on Google.

Apple Maps is an excellent choice if you're looking for public transport options, and the interface is arguably cleaner than Google Maps in this respect. Both apps let you choose which modes of transport you'd prefer, and you'll also see how long you need to walk—along with scheduled departure times.

Apple Maps has cycling directions for a selection of cities, but these aren't as widespread as Google Maps. You can get cycling directions throughout the US, along with Germany. Major cities like London are also covered.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Look and Feel

There isn't a lot of difference between the two apps from a visual standpoint. Both feature regular vector maps and a satellite view, though Google also throws in a terrain view which makes it more suitable for some outdoor pursuits.

Arguably the biggest visual benefit for Google Maps users is Street View. The feature uses real-world photography to provide users with a look at the map from a more relatable perspective. It's useful for providing context to addresses and locations and helps users quickly visualize a point of interest.

While nowhere near as useful, Apple Maps features the 3D "flyover" view introduced in 2012. It's a neat way of going on a virtual tour without ever leaving the house, but it's ultimately a gimmick.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Changing Between Different Maps

Apple Maps lets you choose between four maps:

  • Explore
  • Driving
  • Transit
  • Satellite.

You can adjust each of these by going to the map icon in the top right and picking your preferred option under Choose Map.

Google Maps also lets you change between different maps, and you can do so by hitting the icon with two overlapping rhombuses. You can choose between the default option, along with Satellite and Terrain.

You can also choose what you see on your maps. You can pick between:

  • Transit
  • Traffic
  • Biking
  • Street View.

Google Maps also lets you view the air quality in a region and check whether there are wildfires. However, these aren't available everywhere.

Exploring your local area is simple with both Apple and Google Maps, and you can easily zoom in and out. Beyond that, you can use the location icon in both apps to return to your current location—which you'll find especially useful if you've wandered a little further than expected.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Adding Frequently-Visited Locations

Apple Maps and Google Maps are pretty much the same when it comes to adding locations you frequently visit. You can add your work and home locations in Google Maps by going to the search section and picking these options at the top.

Meanwhile, Apple Maps lets you add both your work and home addresses—along with your school. Both apps allow you to add other addresses as your favorites, such as bakeries, shopping malls, and landmarks.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Why Not Both?

Historically, Google Maps has been the superior mapping option. But Apple Maps is catching up and has several useful features worth trying.

Remember that much of this is subjective and will depend on where you live. If you travel a lot, it makes sense to keep both around, just in case!