iPhone Users: You are Using Apple Maps!
If you’re versed in the constant war between Apple and Windows or Android users, you’ll be aware that one major point is the close-knit community Apple has created. As an Apple user, you may love this feature. As a Windows or Android user, this could be the main factor that turns you off of buying that slick new iPad, iPhone or MacBook Pro.
If you haven’t made it your business to know, we’ll let you know now that a big difference between the iPhone and any Android or Windows phone, is the operating system. While Android or Windows tend to run on Google software, iPhone runs on iOS (formerly iPhone OS).
Have you ever been exploring a new city with a friend, you’re looking at your iPhone and they’re on their Android, and you realize to much confusion that your maps work differently? That’s because they are different mapping systems. Android uses Google maps, the ones you are likely used to using on your laptop, and iPhone uses an app called Apple Maps.
Pros and Cons
If you’re an iPhone user sitting there feeling a little betrayed, have no fear. While Apple maps is newer than Google Maps, it is a strong up-and-comer, and provides all the information you could possibly need, and then some.
Pros
While the layouts of Apple and Google are both clean, Apple offers bigger text and larger buttons making it a little more user friendly.
Apple also wins in terms of calendar integration. Locations you need to go in a day appear readily on your screen, and the app will send you notifications based on transit time, not just the classic “you have to be here in an hour”.
It’s easier to share your location in one touch rather than three.
Both apps have hands-off navigation.
Cons
Most importantly, Google wins for accuracy. Apple maps so far is not the best at suggesting places like restaurants, etc. that are actually nearby or provide what you are looking for.
You cannot create multiple trip stops.
If you’re a cyclist, you won’t find the best routes.
At this time, there is no integration with services like Uber or Lyft.
The Final Word
Some may see the analysis as a tie, or that Google has come out the winner. In terms of acting simply as a map, both do the job just fine.
Either way, Apple Maps has strong potential and everyone expects to see it grow in leaps and bounds in the years to come.
Apple rarely fails to disappoint when it comes to fun features and user-friendliness, so we can’t wait to see the evolution of their map app.
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