When it comes to navigation apps, Apple Maps and Google Maps hold a duopoly over users’ attention. As a part of WWDC 2023, Apple just announced iOS 17 with a variety of new features, one of which drastically improves Maps. While Google Maps might arguably be superior to Apple Maps, the new update bridges the gap, so it’s time to reevaluate which one is better.
With each major update, both apps by the two tech giants push the boundaries of mobile navigation to new territories. Last month, Google announced some exciting new additions with the help of artificial intelligence (AI) to make Maps more immersive. Let’s find out what’s new and game-changing about Apple Maps on iOS 17 and compare them to Google Maps and their fair share of new features.
What’s new about Apple Maps on iOS17?
Apple is finally addressing users’ long-standing requests for offline maps functionality. With Apple Maps on iOS 17, users can download maps of specific areas and use turn-by-turn navigation without Wi-Fi or cellular.
While this feature has been available on Google Maps for a long time, Apple enthusiasts feel this has been long overdue. Some believe this was the only feature that gave Google Maps an edge over Apple Maps.
Basically, you can download your entire route even before you begin traveling, as this ensures proper navigation even without an internet connection. Apple Maps also shows the estimated time of arrival and allows you to explore places within the app while offline.
Furthermore, Apple Maps will offer improved support for electric vehicle drivers by providing real-time charging availability information.
Exploring Google Maps’ new features
While Apple Maps plays catch up with offline maps, Google Maps continues to evolve with some groundbreaking additions to their tech. Google has introduced 3D-generated renders of significant landmarks, which provide users with a bird’s-eye view of their route.
With the Immersive View feature available in select cities, Google Maps offers a multidimensional experience. This is done by combining information on bike lanes, sidewalks, intersections, and parking.
Google Maps also uses computer vision and new advancements in AI technologies to integrate billions of Street View and aerial images together. This would create a more immersive navigation experience on the lines of ‘mixed reality’ compared to virtual or augmented reality.
Which one is better: Apple Maps or Google Maps?
It’s time for the verdict on iOS 17’s Apple Maps and Google Maps. At the end of the day, it all comes to personal preferences and your device. If you own an iPhone, Apple Maps is clearly going to feel more seamless with the hardware. The introduction of offline maps strengthens its case.
New Apple Watch maps. #WWDC23 pic.twitter.com/4kRRS2Leyx
— Lance Ulanoff (@LanceUlanoff) June 5, 2023
Apple Maps has offline maps now and I can download way more data than Google Map does actually pic.twitter.com/68pyrJFxNP
— Eric Lee (@sdusteric) June 6, 2023
Maturing is realizing that Google maps is superior than Apple Maps.
— sofi 😊 (@the_odditty) June 6, 2023
I hate to admit it but Apple Maps is the superior app 🫣
— Chan (@Chanxoxo__) June 5, 2023
Google Maps, on the other hand, seems to be far ahead in terms of executing futuristic additions like Immersive View and advanced real-time traffic information. However, Apple seems to be catching up here as well, thanks to the latest Apple Vision Pro, which might just revolutionize mobile navigation one more time.
Which is better: Apple Maps on iOS 17 versus Google Maps? Share with us in the comments below. For more content, stay with us here at Spiel Times. Make sure you subscribe to our push notifications and never miss an update. You can also follow us on Spiel Anime, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. Until next time!
