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When the iPhone first launched, it was preloaded with Google Maps. In 2012, Apple replaced it with its own mapping application known as Apple Maps. It launched in beta in the iOS 6 beta, and was released to the public that fall.

After its launched, it was clear that it was no on the same level of quality as Google Maps. The poor launch led to a public apology from Tim Cook and ultimately led to the firing of Scott Forstall.

Apple Maps Features

Over the years, Apple has continued to adds features to Apple Maps. iOS 11 brought lane guidance and a speed limit widget on the navigation, and indoor location mapping.

Apple has also added proactive location suggestions (time to get home when you are leaving work, etc), integration with public transit, Yelp integration, and integration with ride sharing services like Lyft and Uber.

With iOS 12, Apple has proclaimed they are rebuilding Maps from the ground up.

Maps is being rebuilt from the ground up to better reflect the world around you. The new underlying map uses Apple data and features enhanced geographic context like pedestrian paths and parks, more detailed building outlines and parking lots, better road network coverage, and more. You’ll also be able to get where you’re going with improved routes, whether you’re on the road or on foot. The new Maps is now available in Northern California and is coming soon to the rest of the United States.

While the general consensus is that Google Maps offers more accurate data and navigation, Apple Maps is widely considered to be the most used mapping application in the world since it’s built into every iPhone, iPad, and Mac.

Apple launching eight-month project to improve Apple Maps data in the UK

Apple is about to begin a big update to Apple Maps in the UK. The company revealed its plans to iMore on Tuesday, saying that it is kickstarting an eight-month project in the UK to collect new data and imagery to improve the Apple Maps experience in the country.

You can see more information about Apple’s data collection plans for Apple Maps on its website.

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Apple ‘preparing’ to buy AI startup with advanced privacy tech to bolster Apple Vision Pro

Sources indicate Apple plans to acquire Brighter AI, a German AI startup specializing in anonymizing face and license plate data. Apple aims to use this acquisition to enhance privacy features on Apple Vision Pro, 9to5Mac is told. Apple may be considering Brighter AI’s technology to minimize the risk of Apple Vision Pro capturing identifiable information in videos or photos taken in public.

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Enhanced Apple Maps experience with Look Around coming soon to Brazil

Enhanced Apple Maps experience with Look Around coming soon to Brazil

Apple has been slowly expanding its enhanced Apple Maps experience to more countries since 2018 when the company started collecting its own map data from scratch. Earlier this year, the new Apple Maps experience was launched in more European countries, including Austria, Croatia, and Poland. Apple has now confirmed that this experience will soon be available in Brazil.

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iOS 17 Apple Maps suggests an offline map to download when getting directions to an area with poor cell service

One of the big new features coming in iOS 17 is the addition of offline maps to Apple Maps, which lets you download a map region ahead of time and navigate without Wi-Fi or cell service.

Although several years behind Google Maps, the Apple Maps implementation of offline maps is very well done. In fact, it is even intelligent enough to remind you to download an offline map in advance, if you are getting directions to an area with poor reception.

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Apple Maps versus Google Maps? A free solution from Amazon, Meta, and Microsoft could be the winner

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After forming a collaborative mapping effort last year called Overture Maps Foundation, Amazon, Meta, Microsoft, and TomTom have officially launched their first open map dataset. The new free resource could be a compelling choice for developers who don’t want to rely on Apple or Google Maps.

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iOS 17: How to download and use offline maps with Apple Maps

Offline Apple Maps

Apple Maps has improved leaps and bounds over the last decade, but one area it has always been lacking is offline use. Google Maps and others have let you download maps to be available offline for a long time.

That feature gap is now closed with iOS 17. Apple Maps now lets you download a maps region to store on your device, and use entirely offline for navigation and routing without an internet connection. Here’s how.

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