How Apple Maps Fixed Its Hated Navigation App | WSJ Tech News Briefing

Changes to Apple Maps have made some users love the once hated product.
WSJ personal tech reporter Ann-Marie Alcántara joins host Zoe Thomas to explain what the iPhone maker has done and what this means for its rival in the navigation space, Google.
0:00 Apple Maps in the beginning
1:21 Changes to Apple Maps
3:00 Why maps is important to Apple
4:12 Limitations
5:06 Google vs. Apple
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[@stevedelaney2364]

The smartest thing either one of the companies could do is make truck driver friendly. Adding a feature for truck routes, bridge weight limits, height limits, tunnels, and restricted areas for hazmat loads.

[@mike_realityi]

I personally would always use the Rand McNally Atlas book. If I were to get back on the road I would look into the Rand McNally GPS that way I would not have to worry about ensuring I had the correct settings selected in the app vs when using for P.C. driving. I also was driving back before GPS really became popular for trucks so all we had were the paper/laminated atlas'.

[@stevedelaney2364]

@@WilliamAdkins-ty7ue I believe Tesla semi is very limited to what trucking companies can use it. It has only 300 mile range for battery. Unless it can charge in an hour which I don’t know how long it takes. Generally truck drivers that only run 300 miles a day. Have another driver jumping in that truck when he is done for that day. Local trucks run 24 hours a day. Most local drivers also need to run pto for pumps or lifts which would drain a battery even faster.

[@apollomedia7210]

Much needed. I wish they did it. There are all kinds of navigations that lead trucks to hell.

[@filereaper]

There's a massive usability difference between Apple Maps/Carplay vs Google Maps/Android Auto. When driving, Apple Maps will say things like "Turn right at the next light", "Turn left at the next stop sign", it uses street signalling and traffic controls to tell you when to turn. Google Maps will say, "In 100 feet, turn left", "In a mile, turn right". 100 feet and one mile aren't what I'm looking for, my eyes are on traffic controls like stop signs, traffic lights etc... which mean more. 100 feet can come instantly going at 60 miles, or slowly going at say 20 miles. The distance to a turn is dependant on traffic and speed regulations, its not so relevant at least when I drive. It just feels more natural to have Apple Maps tell you where to go. Its a subtle thing but its made a huge difference and I default to Apple Maps in the US or Canada.

[@TanyaTsukrova]

Apple Maps grew on me over the past few years. From walking and cycling to driving in different countries, they definitely improved the app a lot

[@XxXenosxX]

My three main issues with Apple Maps: Too late of warning for turns, seems to be delay in your actual position compared to Google maps Yelp as review source, this isn’t the early 2000’s Too many places that no longer or never existed are present on the map

[@ben_car_8115]

The 2nd and the 3rd point seem very related. Yelp is the absolutely worst part of Apple Maps

[@daerdevvyl4314]

As a middle aged guy, my eyes aren't as good as they used to be. If I'm looking at Apple Maps, sometimes the name of a road is very small on the screen. So naturally I zoom in to make the name bigger… and the words stay the same DAMN SIZE! It's very frustrating!

[@Regina.Clarke]

🎯

[@filereaper]

I found the delay happens when I'm on 5G, it is just slightly late. When I switched down to 4G, it works as expected. 5G has issues with the distance between the device and the cell-tower, 4G can sustain longer ranges. So if the 5G coverage isn't good you get these breaks and it seriously affects driving.

[@rogeriogomesosorio4755]

I have all apple products; however, I never use Apple Maps. It lacks a lot of information, specially traffic related. Waze is my to go app.

[@miles5600]

Waze is actually getting integrated into google maps :)

[@ben_car_8115]

@@miles5600To be more specific, Google has owned Waze for years but they are going to be merging/dissolving Waze into Google soon due to restructuring.

[@ben_car_8115]

They have traffic information that’s decent now although if I care about traffic info I always go to Google unless I’m in an area with a lot of iPhone users (aka Los Angeles)

[@definitely-not-daniel]

Being someone in The Netherlands the most annoying part for now is that they have no knowledge of bike paths. Like fr Apple we’re the bike country😑. Always have to use the walk option but then I have no clue how long it actually takes me.

[@kate2create738]

To be fair, it can be difficult to estimate how long cycling can take to the destination as there different people who have different speeds when cycling. In places like the Netherlands, there certain is a culture centered around cycling with people who have experience to have a set sped. It’s different in different parts of the world though as not everyone has that option to consistently cycle to the same degree. There is also the hills, valleys, and mountain factor, any elevation on the road likely will affect the average speed to predict. Going down the hills likely increases the speed, but going up the hill is something that requires experience to get the right strength to bike up such an elevation. Meanwhile, autos are legally set at a standard speed that makes it easier to understand the calculations of how long it will take. Walking might have a similar situation with the elevation factor as cycling does but when the road is flat, walking speed has been recorded by different nations that the app can use for the calculations. So unless there is a study already done on the average speed of a cyclists, it’s probably why it’s not included in the App cause the formula requires a certain number of variables to solve the answer. Hard to solve a problem when not all of the details are presented.

[@Luther_Luffeigh]

Still far behind Google Maps in features and accuracy.

[@MaxMustermann-vy7ur]

I wouldn’t say that in every situation…

[@kevinfernandez9999]

​@@MaxMustermann-vy7urif you travel outside of us and Canada, then yes in every situation Google maps is better

[@enzmondo]

One big disadvantage Apple Maps has over Google is regional support. For most countries and territories, Apple Maps is barebones with few features being supported. Look Around and turn-by-turn walking directions are missing in most major cities around the world, features that have been available in Google Maps even in my country.

[@Esudao]

interestingly Google has only now caught up to Apple Maps in Germany: While Apple's Look Around became available in Germany a couple of years ago, it took Google until now to push new Google Street View photos.

[@timothyschreiber]

that's actually the fault of the German peoples "Angst" for requesting Millions of their houses to get blurred in 2008, so google gave up with street view there ever since (until 2022, when they decided to give it another try) @@Esudao

[@ddani-ey6dx]

Apple Maps is so much nicer when driving because it gives you a view that looks like an actual map and gives you better context of your surroundings, Google you just have to blindly follow the route. Maybe because I’m used to normal maps, but I feel way more comfortable that way.

[@lopezjuan316jl]

Apple Maps is my “go to” app for walking and public transport instructions because I think that is the best one for that I find Maps dangerous for the car and not clear at all, the one I use is Google Waze or the GPS (the specific gadget)

[@00bikeboy]

Recently vacationed in Rome. Used Apple maps exclusively and wasn't disappointed. Good product.

[@ChickenOfMajesty]

Apple Maps is REALLY good if you live in some of the larger cities in the United States. It’s undergone massive improvements in the last 5 years in my own city. Google still is king with its wide net for those who aren’t in a concentrated area or many foreign countries.

[@darrenjoe674]

Apple Maps all the way. Here in Canada and have used in USA too. Works great.

[@ricknorris1466]

I tried it today and couldn’t find the start button to start my journey. I immediately went back to Google and it was so simple. Most apple apps totally suck.

[@kate2create738]

Wish there were options like sticking to turning in the right. Living new in LA with this App was a nightmare, nearly half of the time was left turns that either takes extra time to finally cross, had to deal with some lights that gave leeway to the opposite traffic to go straight at the lights waiting a chance to get a clearing to turn after ALL of the cars went through, or the lane was not accessible to turn left yet the App insisted I had to turn left. Meanwhile, sticking to right turn tends to be easier to know you can actually turn when needed. I also hate the last second announcing to do a major turn when there is no to little warning about all of the steps needed.

[@JS-ow2ct]

Best feature of Apple Maps - they aren’t selling data about where you go. I’d never use Google Maps, even if it were far better. I don’t want to be sold!

[@danm4320]

1:55 This is something I massively prefer in Google Maps. I want to trace the individual lines!

[@javtimestwo]

Apple Maps>Google Maps - for anybody in or out of the Apple ecosystem you have to understand how many improvements Apple Maps has made in the last 18 months. I use it daily and won't use any other map app.

[@jstelm]

I don’t enjoy the traffic layer on Apple Maps. I like to glance at the traffic on my route before leaving. The green/red contrast on Google Maps makes this easy.

[@Carmador]

I tried switching to Apple Maps and remember it would crash multiple times while en route. Wanted to like it but had a bad first impression.

[@nukingjapanwasok6265]

I always used Apple Maps because I didn't want to have another navigation app on my phone. But one thing I would consistently dislike about Apple Maps is how even though you're going straight on a road for several miles, it would tell you the road is ending, Once you'd pass that point/intersection it would fix itself. Or the opposite. When a road or highway would split into two, it wouldn't tell you which side of the road you should stay on to stay on the correct road/highway.

[@sp890520]

I use both, but when I am in crowded places with slow congested data, I prefer Apple Maps because its vector based.

[@denise7001]

A feature I like most about Apple Maps is you can change the voice accent. I have it set on British “turn into the car park” fun. One feature Google maps has I wish Apple did is the compass letting you know which direction you’re driving. I still use both, Google mainly for a bit tricky destinations like flag lot streets with the same name as cross street. I was trying to pick up something I bought off FB marketplace in a weird location and Apple Maps only got confused. I had to pull over and switch to Google which pinpointed with correct directions.

[@jeffe4297]

Apple Maps does have a compass showing your direction while driving (it sits right above the speed limit sign on the left side of the screen). It can be turned on/off in settings.

[@SorminaESar]

Good morning Zoe🙏

[@tikycz8261]

I’m from Czech republic and here maps getting finally an updated look not the 3D look That I want but we getting there. But one thing I hate is that Apple Maps here they let me go through close road that is in reconstruction or even make me turn in places that is no possibility in some places even the new road that was added in iOS 16.5 for example in new version of iOS 17 that street or road is no longer present. Idk why this is but it’s annoying.

[@greg4367]

Who says it's fixed. Guess you haven't tried yourself. Improved doesn't mean competitive.

[@duran9664]

No. Apple NOT yet fixed its maps app. 😒

[@Ewoof]

MKBHD literallly made a video talking about apple maps lol.

[@issiewizzie]

In the UK, they just need to sort out the traffic information

[@JustXavier]

This sounded like she just asked a couple of her friends.

[@user-ix5ww5hk8i]

I never understood why ppl hated apple maps . . . . I’ve been using Apple maps since iPhones became a thing and it’s works just fine for me in every city/country I’ve been. Never been lost once. . . I just dont get the hate . . Just follow the directions

[@noblehazards9713]

I’m so glad Zoe fixed the way she did her intros and doesn’t sound like a robot anymore lol

[@nzs316]

I really enjoy Zoe‘s podcast but I don’t enjoy when she’s interviewing people who drag out their words like it’s annoyance or it’s so laborious to share a thought. So I shut it off.

[@amirismail8550]

Same here..haha..

[@johnhopkins4920]

Thanks - excellent reporting.

[@xkc9689]

It’s broken until it’s connected to yelp!

[@TreDogOfficial]

Google maps all the way. Never had a problem with it yet

[@twizerejulienne2731]

There's no serious competition in Map Apps😢😢😢😊

[@theunbearables]

It's Apple gated. I appreciate Google Maps but can we just have a more open public funded nonprofit gps/navigation app?

[@babeyoulove1883]

For me, Apple Maps started to look good here in Australia for navigation. They are not at Google level in terms of information Google wins. But Google sometimes does not give you the best directions. Makes you run around too much. BUT - If you are in other countries - Well it is another story. For example - When I went to Sri Lanka - Apple Maps was a disaster

[@chrismv102]

It's still an awkward program. One area is that it's reliablity on Siri depends on Siri's accuracy which is suspect. Additionally it will send you to a place that's advertised with Apple before a closer place. This makes is not neutral.

[@gamewarrior010]

Google maps and waze will do the same

[@BlackGove]

It been acted weird lately

[@tengwu6988]

Google map has significantly dropped its quality this year 😢

[@user-bd8ib2ep3y]

Boa Noite a todos.

[@auro1986]

how? copying from apps made by others

[@milhouse7145]

Apple Maps

[@TheBankersSafe]

For the same reason people enjoy the Apple Maps I hate it, who cares if its aesthetic is appealing and its terminology is relatable? Its inability to constantly and consistently track a location is a major issue, it will jump from spot to spot changing how far until my next maneuver and sometimes causing me to miss the maneuver all together. Siri’s compatibility with the maps app is also extremely lack luster and constantly misinterprets information, changing routes and causing disruptions. Google maps is clearly the more reliable and superior platform, it just isn’t mass popularized and goes against social norms.

[@Nala_1230]

it's still bad

[@BobF510]

The richness of this content is a guide in life's journey. Reading a book with related material was a transformative experience. "The Art of Meaningful Relationships in the 21st Century" by Leo Flint

[@adam-hc8ub]

is ann singing

[@jacksmith7726]

Well of course they improved it, they couldn't have made it any worse

[@QmGhq2T7CzQ]

I prefer Apple maps. HereWeGo second.

[@anthonytuck864]

One of the most basic features needed with maps is being able to measure an as the crow flies distance between 2 points. Being able to measure on maps is completely missing in this system. Apple! FAIL FAIL FAIL.

[@imjody]

I have to admit, the Apple Maps today does look quite nice in comparison to Google Maps. But I'm still a hardcore Google Maps user, and hardcore Apple Inc. hater, lol.

[@IlPookiell]

I never hated apple maps

[@AlphaGeekgirl]

Love you, Zoe… but I had to give up halfway through because Anne Maree’s vocal fry, up-talk and poor diction (shtreet, impawdent) made my ears bleed.

[@ER-sv1np]

แก้ ux

[@brbhave2p00p4]

It will never surpass Google Maps

[@andy68686]

I still hate it

[@sbagg89]

Terrible for cycling and transit. No thanks!

[@cieloz7574]

If you live in the US, then Apple maps is 10 times better than Google Maps. If you live in the Gulf countries or the Middle East countries, then it's sooo bad

[@United_Wings]

GG

[@lvjungle2840]

Nope I like Google, Apple Maps want you to turn right last minut in LA

[@h3684]

Google maps. …poops on Apple Maps.

[@jupiter4057]

Apple… we can guess a big pictures of business in the future but I don’t think it will be successful in the future

[@EscapedTexan]

Apple Maps AND Google Maps are lame. Waze blows them both away.

[@MaxMustermann-vy7ur]

You know Waze is owned by Google?

[@GustavoMazzei]

Ann-Marie turns sentences into questions and her voice is annoying.

[@arercee5528]

What? I’ve been using Apple Maps for years and I think it’s far superior to waze and google maps.

[@donniedijkstra4066]

Geez even my drunk daughter is nicer to listen to them Ann-Marie

[@ryannordheimer]

It's worse than it's ever been...

[@silaakkidumma]

Engage your graphic design team and tech team for God sake...you get all important topics and treat it as soundcloud 🤷‍♂️🤦‍♂️ or learn something to create visually for youtube...Joanna of tech reporting is better

[@tnine3]

Still prefer Google maps over Apple Maps

[@aroundandround]

This interviewed woman has such a boring laundry list voice for everything she says that it’s the surest way to cause people to turn off.

[@nightking8490]

Apple is not quite very good when it comes to software.Take Apple's office apps as an example,not usable. Safari browser, trash. Google maps is the only decent map option All apple does is make good phones, pcs and tabs and thats all.

[@MaxMustermann-vy7ur]

I disagree Safari is my favorite browser on mobile i don’t like chrome.