Google or Apple? Which is a Better Choice for Navigation?

Since the last few years, the world is taking all the direction guide from Google Maps. Been clueless about how to reach a direction? Unable to check the cab location? Need a guidance about a particular address? The first thing you have been doing ever since you have started using the GPS Navigation is using the Google Maps. But now, things might change as the recent Apple upgrade has left us with a choice to make. The efforts to compete began in 2012 but has failed various times when users were complaining about the Apple software giving wrong directions, insufficient public transport data, and various other glitches and bugs. As per people’s verdict, the software not at all served the purpose and was not fit for use with so many glitches. Ever since the criticism, the software is under further development and is now ready to bounce back with all new updates.

Google Maps is available on both Android and iOS platforms. Apple Maps are only on iOS. Google collects own map data while Apple doesn’t but they both share business listings and satellite imaging from the same sources. Let’s talk more about the difference between Google and Apple Maps.

Interface

As you open the map consecutively in both the devices you will get to see the difference in the very first look. In Apple Maps, you will find a flat surface and the map will show the default locations of the area. The search bar is situated at the bottom of the screen from where you get the options in the upper right section of the screen to choose the view you want. There are three options- transit, satellite, and map. In the right-hand side below, there are custom icons of the landmarks and from there you can get the weather update. The interface does not have many complexities and is kept simple with a clean look.  

In Google Maps, the screen has fewer icons but the options for viewing is more if compared to Apple Maps. Apart from exploring, you will get options of driving, satellite, transit, traffic, terrain, and biking on the map. In the Google Maps, the landmark location can be seen differently with the 3D images of the buildings. The current location button is present in both the Google and Apple. The arrow icon is used for Apple while the Google has bull’s eye button. The Assistant function is present in the map itself for Google and the Apple has got the same function inbuilt in the operating system of the device.

Apple has kept it simple on the navigation screen. You will understand this well when you use the Apple Maps for taking driving directions. As per the developers, they have made it a point to cut out the distractions from the screen to ensure there is lesser involvement on the device while driving. On the contrary, Google has more icons in the navigating area where gas stations and parking places are shown. In Apple, you will get to see more options as you walk down and zoom in the map. In the Google Maps, you will find general locations when you select the walking mode. Both the apps show perfect traffic updates by giving an overview of the congestion in different colors. While the red mark on the traffic means heavy traffic, yellow and blue denotes moderate and light or no traffic consecutively. If there’s an accident or road closure, the notification of the same reaches as alerts on both the apps. The sound, quick search and compass options are available in both only the mode of turning on these features is different.

The unique quotient of both the apps

The street view of Google is claimed as one of the unique features. With this feature, a user can get to see the panoramic view of the different streets all across the globe. Google gives you the option to customize the route by letting you avoid tolls. The other feature of bicycle mode that runs while offline mode makes this a choice for many. As per reports, Google is planning for offline primo for the places that have internet connectivity issues.

In this section, Apple claims that their maps take up lesser data than that of Google. One of the unique features of the Apple Maps is the integration of the map with the iOS. You need to inform Siri where you would like to go and the processing will start on the backdrop. In case you need to cancel a route that’s running on the map in progress, you can do that as well. You need to give a voice instruction and the changes will be done. The other talked about feature of the Apple Maps is the Flyover mode. As you start using this mode in a densely populated area, this mode gives you guiding like you are on a tour. This mode is also called City Tours for the guidance it provides for the city landmarks. Google Tour Creator is somewhat close but not the exact alternate option for the City Tour Feature of Apple Maps.

Some other differences

The data storing system is different for both the maps. There is a difference on how the apps are updated. The Google Maps works as per the Google data policy. Many have placed their concerns on the privacy factor when it comes to Google data storage. The location tracking page is a problem reported by many users. Some users thus choose Apple Maps as they can rely more on Apple when it comes to data. The update of the Apple Maps is available only when there is an update of the iOS but for Google Maps the update is much more frequent.

For small city mapping, Google Maps is considered as a better option than Apple. Reports say that the Google Maps is targeted towards the mass and not just defined for the people who use private transport for traveling. Sources say that accessibility is one of the main reasons why Google Maps is more wisely used over Apple Maps. Google has updated information of business timings and for Apple, the feature is not applicable on a large scale but restricted to a few places.

The users are always ready for the tiff between Apple and Google and the debate thus goes one. What’s your map choice?