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People notice major difference in Google Maps and Apple Maps but are divided on which is better
Home>Technology>News
Published 17:51 21 Aug 2024 GMT+1

People notice major difference in Google Maps and Apple Maps but are divided on which is better

The debate over which of the two map services is better may be unresolved, but people still pointed out one major difference

Kit Roberts

Kit Roberts

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Featured Image Credit: Apple Maps/Google Maps

Topics: Apple, Google, Phones, Technology, iPhone

Kit Roberts
Kit Roberts

Kit joined UNILAD in 2023 as a community journalist. They have previously worked for StokeonTrentLive, the Daily Mirror, and the Daily Star.

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People have noticed a big difference between Apple Maps and Google Maps in the debate over which is better.

There are many disagreements out there when it comes to preferences around technology.

Back in the day you had the Mac vs PC debate, which in turn has given way to the debate over iPhone vs Android.

In the world of gaming you have Xbox vs Playstation, which was even parodied by South Park and arguably came to an end with the PS5.

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But now the comparisons go beyond the devices even down to the apps and services that they provide.

Among them is that between Google Maps and Apple Maps.

It seems some people have also noticed one key difference between the two apps, though it didn't settle the debate.

New York on Google Maps on a mobile device. (Google)
New York on Google Maps on a mobile device. (Google)

And it seems it's all in the type of the images that are displayed on the map when you are using them on a mobile device.

If you go into Google Maps on a phone and put in a satellite image and the 3D option you will get a flat photo image of the location which gives an impression of the streets. This is obviously not accounting for things like Street View.

When you take a look at the Apple Maps version on a mobile device, you can get an entire 3D model of the location.

When we tested Google Maps does have this feature on desktop, but not on mobile devices.

The same location on Apple Maps on a mobile device. (Apple)
The same location on Apple Maps on a mobile device. (Apple)

Nonetheless, this far from settled the debate over which is the superior service.

One person wrote: "In this comparison, Apple Maps looks much nicer but I think Google Maps seems more practical, as you can clearly the see the road layout.

"In general, that seems to be the difference between the two. I default to Apple Maps because it looks nice, but if I’m in a rush or can’t afford to make a mistake then Google Maps seems to be more reliable."

Someone else was surprised by the difference, writing: "Whoa has Apple Maps always been that good or did they just step up their game?"

While one person hit out: "Apple Maps sucks at actual directions which is what it is mainly used for."

And another claimed: "Every time I make the mistake of using apple maps they send me to dead ends or make me take the wrong way."

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