If you own an iPhone, one of the most difficult decisions you’ll have to make is whether to use Apple Maps or Google Maps for navigation. Back in the day, even Apple would tell you to use Google Maps instead of Apple Maps. It was 2012 after Apple Maps launched and some countries were mislabeled, some were not named at all, some directions were tricky, and following Apple Maps turn by turn directions could be dangerous to your health.
Apple CEO Tim Cook not only apologized, but told users: “While we improve Maps, you can try alternatives by downloading map apps from the App Store such as Bing, MapQuest and Waze, or use Google or Nokia Maps by going to their website -sites and create an icon on your home screen for their web app.” But now Apple Maps is just as good and maybe better than Google Maps. One big difference in Apple Maps’ favor: While Google Maps can tell you to turn right after a third of a mile, Apple Maps is more apt to say, “Turn right at the next stop sign,” which is easier to follow.
Apple Maps is the default navigation app on iOS
Apple plans to give some iOS users the ability to change their default navigation app when iOS 18 is released next September. As Apple wrote in a “Non-Confidential Summary of DMA Compliance Report” published last week, “Apple also plans to introduce a new default control for users in Settings for navigation apps. Apple intends to make this solution available by March 2025.” This option will be limited to those who use their iPhones in 27 EU countries, and is imposed on Apple by the Digital Markets Act (DMA).
Once Apple gives iPhone owners in the EU the green light to change their default navigation app, we could see Google Maps or even Waze being used to replace Apple Maps. And there’s always the possibility that Apple will allow iPhone users in other non-EU markets, perhaps even those in the United States, to change their default navigation app next March.