Apple has revealed that its Maps app is used 3x as often as its next leading competitor (Google Maps) on the iPhone and iPad, reports the Boston Globe. The mapping service now sees over 5 billion map-related requests each week.
Google Maps is still the most used mapping application for smartphones as Apple Maps isn't available on Android. In October, Google Maps had over twice as many smartphone users as Apple Maps.
When Apple Maps first debuted on iOS it was plagued with problems but Apple has gradually improved the service and turned into one of the best mapping services available.
“We are fast learners and we are fast at fixing things,” said Apple VP Greg “Joz” Joswiak. “We learned the maps business incredibly fast.”
The Boston Globe says that Apple is now collecting data from over 3,000 sources for business listings, traffic and other information.
In adding transit, Apple sent teams to map out subway entrances and signs. That results in more precise walking directions, as stations can stretch for blocks and the center point used by some services isn’t necessarily the closest. Apple also started sending out vehicles with sensors to map roads, similar to Google’s longstanding practice.
Apple says its not finished improving Maps and it definitely still has some work to do, especially in rolling out transit directions. However, the service is now good enough that most users aren't turning to third party products instead.
Let us know Maps performs in your area. Do you still use Google Maps or are you happy with Apple Maps?
Read More
Google Maps is still the most used mapping application for smartphones as Apple Maps isn't available on Android. In October, Google Maps had over twice as many smartphone users as Apple Maps.
When Apple Maps first debuted on iOS it was plagued with problems but Apple has gradually improved the service and turned into one of the best mapping services available.
“We are fast learners and we are fast at fixing things,” said Apple VP Greg “Joz” Joswiak. “We learned the maps business incredibly fast.”
The Boston Globe says that Apple is now collecting data from over 3,000 sources for business listings, traffic and other information.
In adding transit, Apple sent teams to map out subway entrances and signs. That results in more precise walking directions, as stations can stretch for blocks and the center point used by some services isn’t necessarily the closest. Apple also started sending out vehicles with sensors to map roads, similar to Google’s longstanding practice.
Apple says its not finished improving Maps and it definitely still has some work to do, especially in rolling out transit directions. However, the service is now good enough that most users aren't turning to third party products instead.
Let us know Maps performs in your area. Do you still use Google Maps or are you happy with Apple Maps?
Read More