Can Apple Maps Be Better Than Google Maps?

One of the changes in the iOS 6 that was announced and released recently by Apple is that it features a new version of the Maps service. Until iOS 5, the service was powered by Google Maps and it appears that the licensing was out so Apple went its own way to develop its own thing. The initial reviews suggested that the maps service was rather off-handed and was not quite accurate; at least not as accurate as Google’s service. However, there are some situations where the new service trumps the older one and might even become a worthy replacement in the future. Because of complaints from users, Apple has agreed to look into the issue and while it has said that Maps is a growing service with updates coming in from time to time, perhaps the company is now going to take the issue more seriously.

For the first time on an iPhone, Maps comes with voice directions. This was rather surprising as the Google Maps on Android devices do have voice navigation but the standalone application on the iPhone never did. This was because Google didn’t offer licensing for that and while it is all fair in a business perspective, the decision was quite unfair on Google’s part as drivers looking at their phone every couple of minutes to check directions are definitely compromising the safety of the road. The new voiceover feature is definitely attractive and keeps the directions coming when needed and ensures users reach their destination safely.

There are definitely some drawbacks with the service though. For starters, there are several landmarks missing in popular cities and turn by turn navigation is a little off, especially in off the track areas. Moreover, Apple’s claimed flyover feature is hardly worthwhile as drivers simply require a sign that shows a flyover or bridge rather than graphic visualizations which can be distracting at times. The satellite mode in several places is also highly distorted but this is a solvable issue.

Now, the real question of what Apple will do comes in. Sure, it has promised users that it will be rolling out updates but how quickly will that happen. The major focus should be on improving the navigation service rather than the satellite imagery because users will find that to add better value than better pictures of the terrain around them will.