There are various navigation apps for the iPhone. Apple Maps is the default choice, and it’s pretty comprehensive these days, but it’s far from the only option. Just check the App Store. And in the battle for the best maps app, Google Maps seems to have won the checkered flag – even on iPhones.
According to this survey conducted by MarketWatch, a whopping 70% of respondents named Google Maps as their main navigational co-pilot. While Waze, Google’s other wonder in the mapping arena, took a commendable second place with 27%, Apple Maps trailed behind with 25%. It’s a bit unexpected that Google Maps is so popular, when Apple Maps is enabled by default on top iPhones – the most popular smartphones in the US.
However, this MarketWatch study wasn’t just about counting hands; it was a deep dive into the habits of 1,000 American drivers. The study specifically focused on how these mapping apps were used to spot speed traps — yes, traps on map apps. But it speaks to the popularity of Google’s primary navigation app, especially compared to Apple’s default option.
Is it possible that good products are more popular?
Despite Apple Maps recently catching up to Google Maps’ feature offerings, Google’s Maps app has long been a favorite among iPhone owners. Historically, it has offered more features, an integrated experience, and overall better navigation. In addition, you can use it on all Apple devices, especially CarPlay. In short, it’s a good product. It’s probably a better product than Apple Maps.
Could it be that Google Maps is more popular because it is a better product? While you may think it’s a simple “yes,” the DOJ may disagree with you.
Last week, the DOJ filed a landmark lawsuit against Apple, alleging that the company has a monopoly on smartphones. In the lawsuit, the government claimed that one of the world’s most successful and valuable companies has control over the phones and openly stated that Apple is using it to extract more money from consumers. “Apple has gone from revolutionizing the smartphone market to halting progress,” said Deputy Attorney General Lisa Monaco. You can read the full lawsuit here.
Google Maps is an interesting case study here, showing that a good product is usually the more popular option. Users think this is the case with iPhones, although the tech-savvy folks at the DOJ might disagree.
If anything, this poll showing the popularity of Google Maps directly contradicts the DOJ’s lawsuit. The DOJ claims that Apple is stifling competitors to make it harder for iPhone users to switch. And I don’t know about you, but the popularity of Google Maps on iPhones hasn’t particularly died down. And Google is, I don’t know, Apple’s biggest competitor, maybe. It’s ironic, really.