I use both depending on the use case:
- Google Maps is much better for vague searches since it uses Google to interpret what you want. It will be hard for Apple to match that
- In my experience, Google Maps has several times directed me to a store that had since closed or moved. When I was in Ft. Lauderdale recently, GMaps directed me to a Best Buy that had since moved, whereas Apple Maps directed me to its current location. Happened a few other times as well.
- The data accuracy of Apple Maps has improved by leaps and bounds over the last couple years.
Originally Posted by
Jim_in_VA Google has been perfecting its maps for years. Apple not so much. Does Apple even have street view cars traveling around the world? I saw lately that Google put a street view camera on the back of a camel and set it out walking the Sahara Desert. Does Apple do that? Not knocking Apple, love their products ...but really, Google maps are far and away better than Apples
This is factually untrue and sounds pretty fanboy'ish. Apple Maps is leaps and bounds improved in data accuracy today over it's release with iOS6. There were 4-5 specific instances that I personally witnessed inaccurate data with Apple Maps that I shared on this forum, that have all now been corrected. To say that Apple has not been improving their maps is a factually incorrect statement.
Granted, this is for the United States. I cannot speak for improvements outside of the US, I can only speak for improvements in where I live. People need to take this into account when evaluating this product - where you live should filter out what reviews you should actually care about. e.g. If I'm not planning on traveling to Poland, reviews that say "Apple Maps is worthless in Poland" really shouldn't influence me because it doesn't effect me. If I was travelling to Poland, then it might.
As far as street view, yes Google has that better. I often use Street View when I want to get a visual of the location I'm going to. On the other hand, unless I'm planning a road trip through a desert, the fact that one mapping solution put a camera on a camel has absolutely zero impact on my ability to get from point A to point B in places other than the desert and doesn't weigh on my decision of what mapping product to use, which is a nicer way of saying "who cares?".