Compared: Apple Maps versus Google Maps in 2022

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in iOS
Apple Maps has come a long way in its decade on the market, but Google Maps hasn't stopped improving either. Here's how the two mapping giants compare in 2022.

Apple Maps versus Google Maps
Apple Maps versus Google Maps


When Apple replaced Google Maps with Apple Maps in 2013, there was a period of chaos. The original map data was subpar, directions outright wrong, and imagery worse. Apple tried to combine multiple data sources into one map app with poor results.

However, Apple has now had ten years to build upon that initial failure and create a competent competitor to Google Maps -- at least in the United States. Apple has even leapfrogged Google in terms of experience, feature set, and map detail in some cases.

Here's exactly how they compare in 2022, and you can see how things have changed since our last compare in 2020.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: app design

A lot of information is presented as soon as either mapping app is opened, and what is shown tells you the app's priorities. For Apple, you see the explore view with the search bar at the bottom and minimal interaction points. For Google, you see a multitude of icons, menus, a search bar, tab bar, and nearby locations.

Zoom all the way out and see how the UI differs
Zoom all the way out and see how the UI differs


The UI paradigms reveal just how different each company expects people to use its app as you navigate. Google hopes to help you however it can by presenting you with as much data as it has at any moment, while Apple only shows what information is needed for a given interaction.

Either method can be frustrating. With Apple, it may not show what you need -- such as the way street names stay the same size or actually get smaller as you zoom in to read them.

With Google, you might find it fast to decide where to go, yet be stymied by figuring out which button means you want to get underway.

This design metaphor translates throughout both apps. Google treats itself like a database of information to learn about an area first, with map features in the background. Even social features like sharing photos and reviews are more front and center with Google than its actual mapping is.

To put it simply, Google Maps treats itself like a coupon book you'd receive at an amusement park. You have to know how to search through the available information to find the one piece of information worth your while.

Google has an entire social network buried in its mapping application
Google has an entire social network buried in its mapping application


For example, a pull shade at the bottom of the "Explore" tab in Google Maps hosts a pseudo social media experience. Reviews from local persons who spend their time photographing and reviewing locations, similar to Yelp, are front and center here. There's even an option to follow people and bookmark content.

On the other hand, Apple Maps takes an approach that you could easily call standoffish. Here the search bar is the gateway to information, and there's more detailed data the further you go. However, at the front, Apple Maps always presents itself as just that: a map.

There are social features in Apple Maps like creating and sharing personal guides or leaving photos of locations. However, these features have to be discovered and are hardly in your face.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: information and accuracy

Apple's 3D models and satellite view are more compelling despite having less data than Google
Apple's 3D models and satellite view are more compelling despite having less data than Google


Google Maps is the clear winner for the amount of data present and available. It sources its vast collection of information gathered from businesses, websites, users, and more.

Apple Maps has a lot of data too, but even if it uses crowdsourced data similar to Google, it isn't sourcing from as many locations. There are obvious gaps in knowledge between the two applications filled by Google's massive data and search empire.

Data isn't everything, however, because there is a threshold of usefulness and utility. This threshold differs from person to person, but not everyone needs the mass of data available from Google.

If you need to find out where a business is, when it opens, how to contact them and see reviews -- you'll be set with either mapping app. But Google takes things a step further by listing everything it has about a location, almost to a fault. Google shows information Apple doesn't, like delivery options, popular times, in-line menus, and more.

It is up to you to decide which app to use based on the available data versus the ease of finding it.

However, neither app is immune to mistakes, missing, or incomplete data. Users can report issues to either map, though both are known for prompt responses and fixes.

Or rather, they are for what you could call specific mistakes. For instance, a road that's got the wrong name or one that's now blocked off for construction.

Data and details in Apple Maps vary by location while Google Maps is more consistent
Data and details in Apple Maps vary by location while Google Maps is more consistent


Where they both seem to fail is with more general issues.

For instance, it's common in the UK for motorways whose speed limit is 70mph to feature bridges going across regular roads, whose limit is 30mph. Routinely, Apple will tell the motorway driver the slower speed for a mile or more.

There's nothing worse than searching for directions and ending up at the wrong place. This was a regular occurrence when Apple Maps first debuted a decade ago. Now, at least if you're in the US or UK, it is much less likely.

Google's crowdsourced data and avid user base mean that every bit of construction, business change, or demolished building will be updated in a matter of hours. That's the power of Google's data machine, and one Apple cannot match.

Apple has introduced a compelling delay estimate for when you hit those red sections of road. Since both maps change their orientation and zoom to best present route information, it's hard to determine just how long a stretch of road is.

So, where you will see a road marked in different colors depending on how busy or slow it is, there wasn't a way to interpret how long the slow section is. Apple Maps will now tell you.

Apple Maps has a useful delay estimate
Apple Maps has a useful delay estimate


It's a little inconsistent, but if you enter a stretch of road that is very busy, then after around a minute, it will superimpose an estimated time it will take to get through this section.

That estimate has proved to be highly accurate, though consequently, you immediately look for it when the road slows down. So the inconsistent time to produce the data is oddly frustrating.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: getting directions

Both apps excel at simply providing turn-by-turn directions. Again, Google offers more layers of data on top, but both get you from point A to point B in similar ways.

They're also both excellent at sharing your ETA. On either Google Maps or Apple Maps, you can elect to have someone -- or several people -- notified of when you will arrive.

Both apps are sufficient at getting directions from A to B
Both apps are sufficient at getting directions from A to B


That arrival time gets updated if there are significant delays, too, and it's proven highly accurate in use.

Apple Maps' Share ETA feature can be confused if you want to share your ETA when someone else is sharing theirs with you, though. Quite reasonably, you can't keep seeing their ETA and map location as Apple Maps is showing you your own route.

But if you get to your destination first, sometimes you can't call your friend's ETA back.

Additional data from Google includes choosing more economical routes to save gasoline or how heavy traffic is on a route. Both options give users the ability to avoid tolls or other obstacles.

Apple Maps is great for the daily commute, finding a new location you've never been to, or general searches for business information. Google, however, has a superpower Apple has yet to acknowledge: trip planning.

If Apple Maps is the tool you use for day-to-day mapping and directions, Google is the vacation planner you pull out once a year. You can plan a trip with stops, bookmark locations, and have an entire driving itinerary play out for you.

There are options on Apple's platforms like third-party apps or built-in Apple Maps functions for those who never want to use a Google product. For example, rather than planning a step-by-step itinerary, you could create a guide in Apple Maps called "Road Trip" and list all of the stops you want to make there.

Driving, walking, transit, and biking

Apple Maps uses its 3D data more agressively while Google waits until you zoom in
Apple Maps uses its 3D data more agressively while Google waits until you zoom in


Both Google Maps and Apple Maps offer directions for different forms of transit, but these features vary wildly based on your location. If you're in a city with subway lines, both Apple Maps and Google Maps will likely offer directions using those lines.

Anecdotally, Apple Maps has a good system for getting transit-based directions that even Google can't compare. This will vary based on location and how much information Apple has about that area. Expect San Fransisco or New York to be highly detailed, for example.

Google's crowdsourced data and time on the market give it an advantage over other forms of transit, though. If you need biking or walking directions that take sidewalks, trails, and other non-car paths, Google may be your only choice.

Apple has begun providing more detailed information for these types of transit, but you'll likely only benefit if you're in bigger cities. There are also third-party options specifically built around biking and walking directions if Apple and Google aren't quite what you expect.

Reporting incidents

Report an incident or add a stop from the Apple Maps driving directions menu
Report an incident or add a stop from the Apple Maps driving directions menu


Both Apple and Google get accident and construction information from similar sources. Crowdsourced data from drivers using their respective mapping apps coupled with municipal data about road hazards are usually enough to get the data adequately represented.

However, drivers can take reporting into their own hands to aid in keeping information up to date. When getting directions of any kind, a user can input details about a hazard that will be registered for the maps app to display.

In some cases, a user will be prompted about an existing listed hazard and asked if it has been cleared.

Both platforms' reporting features are similar, but Google gives users more options to report. Apple has crash, hazard, or speed check, while Google has crash, slowdown, construction, lane closure, stalled vehicle, or object in road.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: outside of mapping

Exploring Google and Apple headquarters in each app
Exploring Google and Apple headquarters in each app


Google treats its mapping app as a social network, and with good reason. It has a user base across the globe ready to post reviews, photos, and detailed accounts of every spot on earth.

The "Contribute" tab takes up prominent and valuable real estate on the Google Maps app, so users always have a place to go and leave comments about a location. This information is shared in the prominent "Latest in the Area" sheet shown in the main map view.

Apple has begun exploring social options in its map app, but they are nascent at best. Users can leave reviews via a thumbs up/down system, but not text. Images can be shared with locations, but photos from TripAdvisor or Yelp are often displayed instead.

The crowdsourced data initiative for Apple Maps is in its early days and will likely become more important with time. For now, users can continue to leave simple ratings and photos at locations in the hopes they will become more prominent in the app.

In a more Apple-like move, the company has partnered with various publications to provide professional "Guides" for popular travel locations. Hundreds of these guides are available and can be searched based on city, publication, or topic.

Apple users can create their own personal Guides, but they are limited to just adding pins to the map without user-provided explanations or reviews. These can be shared with others, so planning a trip in Apple Maps is possible, just different from Google's approach.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: privacy

Privacy and data collection are two significant tentpoles in any discussion about Apple and Google services. Both companies claim to hold user privacy in high regard, but they each use radically different methods.

How Apple describes its privacy measures for Apple Maps

Apple collects only what data is needed to provide services and keeps it separate from the Apple ID
Apple collects only what data is needed to provide services and keeps it separate from the Apple ID
Maps doesn't associate your data with your Apple ID, and Apple doesn't keep a history of where you've been. Personalized features, like locating your parked car, are initiated right on your device. Data used to improve navigation, such as routes and search terms, is not associated with your identity. Instead, that information is based on random identifiers that are constantly changing.
In other words, Apple collects only what data is necessary to keep Apple Maps running, and even that data is anonymized. Apple has a lot of techniques at its disposal to ensure users remain private.

For example, when a person requests directions from Apple Maps, the route information is chopped into multiple parts using different identifiers for each. That way, no one can ascertain where a person started getting directions or where they end up even with the data on hand. And since the data isn't attached to an Apple ID, who got directions isn't known either.

The data Apple does get from users, whether it is from the crowdsourced reviews or traffic patterns, is never used for advertising or sale to data brokers. Apple doesn't sell data of any kind, nor does it have an advertising business outside of the App Store and Apple News app.

Add that to the fact all collected data is anonymized using Differential Privacy. Basically, sets of collected data are separated into parts, then random noise is added to the data when stored. A random observer couldn't distinguish which data belonged to a person or which was random noise, all while Apple still gains insight into larger trend analysis.

It isn't that Apple collects no data, just less. And that data is chopped up and anonymized to prevent users' privacy from being violated by anyone, including Apple.

How Google describes its privacy measures for Google Maps

Google collects a lot of data about its users but promises to protect privacy
Google collects a lot of data about its users but promises to protect privacy

We use the most advanced technology like differential privacy to protect your data and build helpful features - like seeing how busy a place is so you can avoid the crowd.

With Your data in Maps, you can easily view and manage your Location History and other account settings. Location History is off by default. When you turn on Location History, it can help you with real-time traffic predictions for your commute or reminisce about places you've been.

As Google stated, it uses Differential Privacy to keep data anonymous when performing trend analysis. However, the anonymized data isn't being used just to improve Google Maps or provide updated traffic data.

The data you provide to Google is used for larger trend analysis and sale to data brokers. No, Google isn't selling your data directly to advertisers or data brokers, but it is using your data to build its advertising business and algorithms.

This data collection and analysis is central to Google's entire platform. Every person that has ever interacted with a Google service, account or not, has a profile stored in Google's servers that is updated with every interaction and data point the company can gather about that individual.

This information is secret and an essential part of Google's intellectual property, so the company won't be sharing details with your name attached. Even employees don't get to see your personal data, as it is all anonymized once it makes it to the analysis and algorithm portion of the company.

The difference lies in how much data Google collects and how it is stored. Apple doesn't associate data with an Apple ID, but Google associates data with accounts.

That's why ads can seemingly "follow" you around the digital space and real world.

For a specific example, Google can see your route to work and what brands you buy with your debit card and use that to determine a trend for your age group in your area taking the same route every day. That information is then used to tell a company exactly where to buy a billboard on your route to ensure you and everyone else in your demographic sees it.

Apple argues that advertising doesn't need such specific data sets to work. That more general advertising based on known, non-personal information could provide similar results.

Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: which to choose

Apple Maps is slowly rolling out its cartoonish 3D view to major cities in the US
Apple Maps is slowly rolling out its cartoonish 3D view to major cities in the US


Every person will have their preference, whether they are all-in on the Google ecosystem or they value privacy above all else -- but at least now there are two quality choices.

How you feel about each company's data practices will likely influence which you trust and what products you choose. This may play a more important role in your decision than the reliability or vastness of data.

Given the information available, we can safely say that Apple Maps is the most private and sensible choice if you're in a place like the US or UK where it has Apple's new in-house data. Google has great features that can be taken advantage of even on the iPhone, but the tradeoffs in privacy are clear.

The new Apple Maps experience with in-house map data is slowly spreading across the globe. This initiative hasn't spread far outside of the US, UK, and Australia but it is spreading. You can quickly tell if you have the new Apple Maps data in your area if the locations with foliage are more detailed and colorful.

Both companies are pushing for better mapping experiences in every respect. Apple wants to bring its beautifully detailed maps with animated trees and buildings to more locations, while Google has its eyes set on creating 3D maps of building interiors.

The next obvious step for both companies is their push into augmented reality. Google has already hinted at a future pair of AR glasses, and there are plenty of rumors surrounding Apple Glass. How these companies tackle that new frontier may change even the most stubborn minds.

Deciding which platform to stick with comes down to personal choice, and for most, it's the default app for their respective smartphone.

Read on AppleInsider
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Comments

  • Reply 1 of 42
    Google Maps is still far superior in Hong Kong, although it doesn’t work at all in Mainland China.
  • Reply 2 of 42
    rob53rob53 Posts: 3,241member
    Need Apple to include Google map’s ability to change (by dragging) routes, add waypoints (Apple is supposed to do this but not as easy as GMs) and be closer to what AAA’s TripTik can do. As for location accuracy, GMs doesn’t do well on the west coast in rural or mountain areas. I end up using both to find places and guess which location looks better. 

    As for driving, Apple needs to visit the Minneapolis/St Paul highway system and give me more time to cross 5 lanes of traffic in less than a quarter mile to get to yet another highway (it’s a mess).
    Oferroundaboutnowcg27grandact73
  • Reply 3 of 42
    mike1mike1 Posts: 3,275member
    Would like the ability to know the next gas station (or Starbucks or whatever) that is ahead of me in the direction I am traveling. Right now, it will give the closest, but being half a mile behind me is usually the same as being on Mars.
    maltzOferBeatscg27tokyojimuAlex1Nmuthuk_vanalingamuraharagrandact73
  • Reply 4 of 42
    DAalsethDAalseth Posts: 2,783member
    rob53 said:
    As for driving, Apple needs to visit the Minneapolis/St Paul highway system and give me more time to cross 5 lanes of traffic in less than a quarter mile to get to yet another highway (it’s a mess).
    I used to live in MPLS/STP. Spaghetti Junction, 35 Commons, Crosstown Commons, etc., etc., there were so many places that your description would fit. 

    I find AppleMaps easier to use. I end up using GM more for long trips because of its depth.

    NGL though when GM sent me an e-mail with all of the places I had been in the year, it was creepy as ****. I try to not use GM any more than I have to for that reason alone. 
    maltzBeatsAlex1Njas99
  • Reply 5 of 42
    tundraboytundraboy Posts: 1,884member
    Apple Maps is my default navigation app but sometimes when I search for a route by business name it sends me to a totally wrong address, the street name would be completely different and several blocks away from the correct address.  I wonder if this is a business playing dirty tricks on its competitor (the last time this happened I was trying to get to a used car seller, with apologies to ethical used car vendors) by using the crowd sourcing function to intentionally report the wrong address.  I don't know if Apple allows that at all.

    (I also don't know how often Google Maps routes to the wrong address since I don't use it that often.)
    edited May 2022 maltzAlex1N
  • Reply 6 of 42
    etnpnysetnpnys Posts: 1member
    I use Apple Maps almost exclusively, and 99% of that is inside CarPlay. Two things that I think it needs to improve upon: 1) alternate routes and 2) silencing navigation. 

    1) If I'm driving and I come to a junction that might make just as much sense to take, Apple Maps doesn't even display that it's a viable alternative. I have to tap the overview button and *hope* that it knows what I know. Google maps shows me right there on the screen a bold gray line with my "Similar ETA" info displayed right there. I love that, and I miss that. 

    2) Silencing/enabling voice navigation prompts is something I do *all the time*. Apple Maps used to let you just single tap the top left box that shows you what your next turn is going to be. But somewhere in iOS 15 (or earlier?) they buried this feature behind tap the screen, tap the volume icon, hunt for and peck the silence button. WHILE I'M DRIVING!? That's a backwards change. 
    Ofercg27Alex1Njas99uraharaSpitbath
  • Reply 7 of 42
    The article was great, but the differentiator for me is the privacy aspect. I live in a major metro region, so either system features rich, detailed coverage. I realize that reality isn’t shared by those who live in different regions, but in my case both Apple Maps and Google Maps are generally excellent (each has its quirks as well). But Apple isn’t selling my travel history to ad brokers. I as well once got the travel history sent to me by Google, and that was enough to keep me from using their system. 

    Despite other companies sometimes offering a “better” product, I defer to Apple software (and to search engines like Ecosia and DuckDuckGo) to handle my identity with care. Google gets an increasingly smaller part of my daily life. I have a legacy Gmail account (dating back to the invitation-only days) that I use for requests (like insurance quotes) where I know I will be spammed until the end of time from the people replying, and have used YouTubeTV as my streaming option. But otherwise, no searches, office suites, or anything else. Google is an advertising company and their “free” products cost me my privacy and identity. No thanks. 
    Alex1Njas99Dogperson
  • Reply 8 of 42
    mike1mike1 Posts: 3,275member
    etnpnys said:
    I use Apple Maps almost exclusively, and 99% of that is inside CarPlay. Two things that I think it needs to improve upon: 1) alternate routes and 2) silencing navigation. 

    1) If I'm driving and I come to a junction that might make just as much sense to take, Apple Maps doesn't even display that it's a viable alternative. I have to tap the overview button and *hope* that it knows what I know. Google maps shows me right there on the screen a bold gray line with my "Similar ETA" info displayed right there. I love that, and I miss that. 

    2) Silencing/enabling voice navigation prompts is something I do *all the time*. Apple Maps used to let you just single tap the top left box that shows you what your next turn is going to be. But somewhere in iOS 15 (or earlier?) they buried this feature behind tap the screen, tap the volume icon, hunt for and peck the silence button. WHILE I'M DRIVING!? That's a backwards change. 
    1) No system ever has or will replace local knowledge. If you know of a better route, take it. They will all adjust to your new location and continue guiding appropriately. Also check your settings. If you select "fastest", it will show you fastest. It does often present several options before starting. Easiest, fastest, fewer turns etc.
  • Reply 9 of 42
    bala1234bala1234 Posts: 142member
    DAalseth said:

    NGL though when GM sent me an e-mail with all of the places I had been in the year, it was creepy as ****. I try to not use GM any more than I have to for that reason alone. 
    It sure is creepy. But you can & should turn location history off even if you don't use GM anymore.

    edited May 2022 Alex1Ngrandact73
  • Reply 10 of 42
    maltzmaltz Posts: 453member
    My issues with Apple Maps hasn't been about features or stability in a long time.  It's that the map data itself is crap.  Every year or two since its inception, I'll give Apple Maps a try, and within a very few trips it's screwed something up about where it's sent me.  EVERY. SINGLE. TIME.  And then I go back to Google or Waze.  And that's in a metro area of over half a million.  Maybe it's great in the truly massive cities, but it has yet to gain any trust from me.
    Oferheli0smuthuk_vanalingamgrandact73
  • Reply 11 of 42
    maltzmaltz Posts: 453member
    mike1 said:
    Would like the ability to know the next gas station (or Starbucks or whatever) that is ahead of me in the direction I am traveling. Right now, it will give the closest, but being half a mile behind me is usually the same as being on Mars.

    This is such an obvious feature, I'm stunned it's not universal.  My CAR navi system does this whenever you're driving on a highway, even without an active route, for crying out loud, and they're notoriously about a decade or more behind phone apps.  lol  I actually switch back and forth between Waze for primary navigation (it's accurate and I love the crowd sourced alerts) and my car's navi when I start needing food/fuel to see what's available on the road ahead over the next 3 or 4 exits - however far they may be.
    David H DennisAlex1Ngrandact73
  • Reply 12 of 42
    OferOfer Posts: 237unconfirmed, member
    You’re missing another major differentiator in this article: the ability to add multiple stops on your trip (and a list of options for businesses that shows you which location is closest to your current route). As much as I like Apple’s products, I keep going back to Waze for this feature.
    Alex1Ngeorgie01grandact73
  • Reply 13 of 42
    gatorguygatorguy Posts: 24,176member
    The article was great, but the differentiator for me is the privacy aspect. I live in a major metro region, so either system features rich, detailed coverage. I realize that reality isn’t shared by those who live in different regions, but in my case both Apple Maps and Google Maps are generally excellent (each has its quirks as well). But Apple isn’t selling my travel history to ad brokers. I as well once got the travel history sent to me by Google, and that was enough to keep me from using their system. 

    Despite other companies sometimes offering a “better” product, I defer to Apple software (and to search engines like Ecosia and DuckDuckGo) to handle my identity with care. Google gets an increasingly smaller part of my daily life. I have a legacy Gmail account (dating back to the invitation-only days) that I use for requests (like insurance quotes) where I know I will be spammed until the end of time from the people replying, and have used YouTubeTV as my streaming option. But otherwise, no searches, office suites, or anything else. Google is an advertising company and their “free” products cost me my privacy and identity. No thanks. 
    @GeorgeKaplan ;
    @Bala1234 
    Google isn't selling your travel history either. It's all anonymized (differential privacy) in a way that even Google doesn't access. If you read the article again you'll see they may take several dozen/hundreds/thousands of anonymized location points and package them, but like Apple, Google does not sell personal info. Ever. Period.

    And that travel history you said Google sent you. That's not what they actually sent, was it? Instead, it would have been a link for you to go to your own account and see it for yourself if you wish. Google didn't access it and then send it to you in an email.  There's a huge chasm of difference. Google protects your personal privacy in Maps just as assuredly as Apple, the two just using different methods of doing so. 

    If you want to revisit your travels in Google Maps to see when or where a trip took place you certainly can, and there are times it is useful to know. What was the name of that restaurant you ate at in Denver last Spring, or when did you visit Aunt Sarah and Uncle Charlie in Great Bend? But Google is not going into your account to get it. YOU are going into your account to get it. 
    edited May 2022 ctt_zhcg27Alex1Nmuthuk_vanalingamgrandact73
  • Reply 14 of 42
    BeatsBeats Posts: 3,073member
    I hate when my friend says she lives on Delaney and it’s the name of her street and when I search “Delaney” Apple Maps gives me a location in the middle of a highway in Russia!

    Or I search a local business with a name of a park in Canada and it shows me the park 800 miles away instead of the Cafe down the street when I’m WALKING!!!
    cg27OfertokyojimuAlex1Nramanpfaffgrandact73
  • Reply 15 of 42
    DAalsethDAalseth Posts: 2,783member
    gatorguy said:
    The article was great, but the differentiator for me is the privacy aspect. I live in a major metro region, so either system features rich, detailed coverage. I realize that reality isn’t shared by those who live in different regions, but in my case both Apple Maps and Google Maps are generally excellent (each has its quirks as well). But Apple isn’t selling my travel history to ad brokers. I as well once got the travel history sent to me by Google, and that was enough to keep me from using their system. 

    Despite other companies sometimes offering a “better” product, I defer to Apple software (and to search engines like Ecosia and DuckDuckGo) to handle my identity with care. Google gets an increasingly smaller part of my daily life. I have a legacy Gmail account (dating back to the invitation-only days) that I use for requests (like insurance quotes) where I know I will be spammed until the end of time from the people replying, and have used YouTubeTV as my streaming option. But otherwise, no searches, office suites, or anything else. Google is an advertising company and their “free” products cost me my privacy and identity. No thanks. 
    Google isn't selling your travel history either. It's all anonymized (differential privacy) in a way that even Google doesn't access. If you read the article again you'll see they may take several dozen/hundreds/thousands of anonymized location points and package them, but like Apple, Google does not sell personal info. Ever. Period.

    And that travel history you said Google sent you. That's not what they actually sent, was it? Instead, it would have been a link for you to go to your own account and see it for yourself if you wish. Google didn't access it and then send it to you in an email.  There's a huge chasm of difference. Google protects your personal privacy in Maps just as assuredly as Apple, the two just using different methods of doing so. 

    f you want to revisit your travels in Google Maps to see when or where a trip took place you certainly can, and there are times it is useful to know. What was the name of that restaurant you ate at in Denver last Spring, or when did you visit Aunt Sarah and Uncle Charlie in Great Bend? But Google is not going into your account to get it. YOU are going into your account to get it. 
    That’s all fine and dandy to say but years of dealing with them has meant that

    I DO NOT TRUST GOOGLE

    They can say all sorts of words about how they do this or that, but they have been caught too many times playing fast and loose with user data for me to trust them.
    Beatscg27Alex1NAnilu_777jas99Dogperson
  • Reply 16 of 42
    heli0sheli0s Posts: 65member
    Apple Maps has a better UI in CarPlay, though its turn-by-turn navigation has an infuriating lag that defeats the purpose when you have a route where you need to make quick turns in rapid succession and it's easy to veer off in the wrong direction. You turn, then the map updates - Google Maps still does this better because it anticipates that you would turn in the right place a second ahead of the actual turn - which means the map actually syncs better with the movement of the vehicle. But the Apple Maps map still looks better.

    I also find Apple Maps UI better laid out for public transit. But that's it for me.

    Google Maps is still my go-to because 1) reliability 2) offline maps, particularly in rural areas 3) much easier to collaborate on trip planning with people who are not iOS users 


  • Reply 17 of 42
    gatorguygatorguy Posts: 24,176member
    DAalseth said:
    gatorguy said:
    The article was great, but the differentiator for me is the privacy aspect. I live in a major metro region, so either system features rich, detailed coverage. I realize that reality isn’t shared by those who live in different regions, but in my case both Apple Maps and Google Maps are generally excellent (each has its quirks as well). But Apple isn’t selling my travel history to ad brokers. I as well once got the travel history sent to me by Google, and that was enough to keep me from using their system. 

    Despite other companies sometimes offering a “better” product, I defer to Apple software (and to search engines like Ecosia and DuckDuckGo) to handle my identity with care. Google gets an increasingly smaller part of my daily life. I have a legacy Gmail account (dating back to the invitation-only days) that I use for requests (like insurance quotes) where I know I will be spammed until the end of time from the people replying, and have used YouTubeTV as my streaming option. But otherwise, no searches, office suites, or anything else. Google is an advertising company and their “free” products cost me my privacy and identity. No thanks. 
    Google isn't selling your travel history either. It's all anonymized (differential privacy) in a way that even Google doesn't access. If you read the article again you'll see they may take several dozen/hundreds/thousands of anonymized location points and package them, but like Apple, Google does not sell personal info. Ever. Period.

    And that travel history you said Google sent you. That's not what they actually sent, was it? Instead, it would have been a link for you to go to your own account and see it for yourself if you wish. Google didn't access it and then send it to you in an email.  There's a huge chasm of difference. Google protects your personal privacy in Maps just as assuredly as Apple, the two just using different methods of doing so. 

    f you want to revisit your travels in Google Maps to see when or where a trip took place you certainly can, and there are times it is useful to know. What was the name of that restaurant you ate at in Denver last Spring, or when did you visit Aunt Sarah and Uncle Charlie in Great Bend? But Google is not going into your account to get it. YOU are going into your account to get it. 
    That’s all fine and dandy to say but years of dealing with them has meant that

    I DO NOT TRUST GOOGLE

    They can say all sorts of words about how they do this or that, but they have been caught too many times playing fast and loose with user data for me to trust them.
    I respect your opinion.
    ctt_zhAlex1Nmuthuk_vanalingamurahara
  • Reply 18 of 42
    cg27cg27 Posts: 213member
    Have to wonder if Apple is intentionally doing a half ass attempt at maps so as to not alienate Google and keep billion$ flowing in annually.

    Might explain why GM:
    + zooms in closer with higher resolution
    + has waypoints
    + has street view for nearly everywhere including alleys, etc
    + plus all the other things posters have commented on


    And why AM:
    - no longer offers my neighborhood in 3D 
    - doesn’t offer look around in Orange County CA (despite my having spotted the Apple/Chrysler minivans running around with cameras in 2015; that’s 7 years ago!)
    - the street names often don’t show up as I zoom in, leaving me to scroll around til they show up
    - and all these missing items are in addition to what the feedback has been about lacking features in this thread

    Hence I think it must be deliberate.  Apple certainly has the resources to fix this over the past several years, if they wanted to.

    Alex1N
  • Reply 19 of 42
    Wesley HilliardWesley Hilliard Posts: 181member, administrator, moderator, editor
    cg27 said:

    Hence I think it must be deliberate.  Apple certainly has the resources to fix this over the past several years, if they wanted to.
    Rather than a complicated conspiracy, the explanation is likely much more simple: Apple Maps debuted in 2012, Google Maps debuted in 2005. Google has all the information in the world, Apple doesn't.

    Also, Apple's maps appear to be much more detailed when zoomed in than google's, even when 3D mapping is enabled. Google's looks washed out with white space. Look at that San Fransisco image and how Google handles such a popular location.

    Heck, look at how Google details its own headquarters versus Apple.

    I don't think the map detail argument holds up anymore. Even in places like my local mall, Google's bland color scheme leaves a lot to be desired. Now, Google's new announcement from I/O does look interesting and will bring much better detail to its maps and I'm looking forward to it.

    Let's see what Apple announces at WWDC.
    Alex1Njas99
  • Reply 20 of 42
    cg27cg27 Posts: 213member
    cg27 said:

    Hence I think it must be deliberate.  Apple certainly has the resources to fix this over the past several years, if they wanted to.
    Rather than a complicated conspiracy, the explanation is likely much more simple: Apple Maps debuted in 2012, Google Maps debuted in 2005. Google has all the information in the world, Apple doesn't.

    Also, Apple's maps appear to be much more detailed when zoomed in than google's, even when 3D mapping is enabled. Google's looks washed out with white space. Look at that San Fransisco image and how Google handles such a popular location.

    Heck, look at how Google details its own headquarters versus Apple.

    I don't think the map detail argument holds up anymore. Even in places like my local mall, Google's bland color scheme leaves a lot to be desired. Now, Google's new announcement from I/O does look interesting and will bring much better detail to its maps and I'm looking forward to it.

    Let's see what Apple announces at WWDC.
    Appreciate the feedback but…

    7 years since the Chrysler camera vans were spotted going up and down and all around my neighborhood??

    Used to have close-up 3D but now don’t seem to (unless they’ve buried some toggle)

    No complicated conspiracy theory when they’ve had ample resources for years and major fees rolling in from Google.  I’m a devoted Apple user/investor so I’d like to see much faster improvement in their maps just like most of the other posters on this thread who are dumbfounded by basic functionality missing.  

    Indeed, hopefully WWDC will reveal major improvements.
    Alex1N
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