Hell froze? Apple Maps caught up with Google Maps with iOS 15. Key Features You Should Know

Remember when Apple Maps first launched as the native iPhone navigation app? After years of Google Maps on iPhone, Apple’s decision to make its own app the default instead of Google Maps was a disaster. Over the years Apple has made huge strides and now in iOS 15 and iPadOS 15 beta, Apple Maps has certainly caught up – and in some areas (maybe?) Even surpassed – Google Maps.

It’s a bold statement, I know. But Google has a few tips that it can now take from its big rival. Do not believe me ? You can always sign up for iOS 15 beta yourself, but keep in mind that you risk encounter bugs and poor battery life for a while yet. Otherwise, you’ll have to take my word for it after reading my list of notable Apple Maps improvements below.

Apple Maps brings confidence with step-by-step directions

Currently, when Apple Maps gives step-by-step directions, you regularly receive more specific instructions such as “turn right at two traffic lights” or other reference to a landmark. Getting more precise directions from your phone gives you more confidence in the route Apple Maps takes.

When you start using Apple Maps in iOS 15 for detailed driving directions, you will see a whole new look that will add even more confidence. For example, you will be able to better identify accidents, traffic jams or roadworks with just a glance at your phone screen while following the route.

In addition to accuracy, there is a new 3D model that the typical 2D map passes to when approaching an interchange, making it easier to see where you’re supposed to go instead of guessing which lane is the real lane. which is second from the right.

It’s also worth noting that Apple says it will be easier to identify bike lanes, buses, turns and taxis, as well as medians and crosswalks in the new Apple maps. If you can visualize where you are supposed to go, as well as the current hearing specifics, driving in new cities will be less stressful.

Transit, search improvements and more to come on Apple Maps

There are more features coming to Apple Maps in iOS 15, like an improved transit experience that will send alerts when you approach your stop and allow you to mark your favorite routes so they’re always on top. your screen. Or if you prefer, you can quickly check all nearby departures to see when you need to start your trip.

Apple is also starting to organize its own guides that detail the places and businesses you should visit when in a new city. This is clearly an area where Apple needs to do a little more work to catch up with Google Maps and its business reviews, but it’s a step in the right direction.

You’ll also see improvements in the search in Maps with more filters (for example, does that place down the street accept credit cards?) And business information.

Apple Maps has a new preferences section

Using Apple Maps before iOS 15 meant you had to constantly switch modes of transportation to get directions or find where to find places you’d preferred, and it often felt like a chore.

With iOS 15, Apple Maps now has a profile page for you to change your personal travel preferences and find all of your Apple Maps related data in one place.

To view your user account in Apple Maps, tap your profile avatar. You’ll see a list of the different options, including reviews you’ve left for a business, your favorite locations, city guides you’ve created, and a Preferences page.

Apple Maps puts the world in the palm of your hand

This feature may not help you on a daily basis, but it’s still something fun to point out. Once you’ve installed iOS 15, try this: Open Apple Maps and zoom out. Zoom out a bit more, then keep zooming out until you are looking at planet Earth. Apple has added an interactive globe to Apple Maps. This means that you can rotate the globe, but instead of seeing a static image of it, it will change to match the time of day in various parts of the world.

It’s quite fun to watch and use. I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I’m jealous of my kids learning geography like this rather than on a paper map or an old-fashioned plastic globe. Try zooming out like this on Google Maps, and you will find a flat map of the Earth. There is a joke to be made here, but I will leave it alone.

We’ll continue to dig into Apple Maps and the rest of iOS 15, for that matter, and share what we find out. For example, we already have found several new features that everyone will love. But my favorite features are hidden, and of course, I also found some.