When it comes to free online mapping app, Google Maps is probably a top contender. The app definitely allows you to navigate the world faster and easier than you can ever imagine. Best of all, it is being offered free for all devices. However, if you are using an iOS device, you might highly consider having Apple Maps on your phone instead. The core function of Apple Maps (or simply Maps) is to provide real-time GPS navigation, traffic, and transit info, and explore local neighborhoods by knowing where to eat, drink and go – no matter what part of the world you’re in. Maps come with a multitude of great navigational features you can take advantage of.

How does Maps work?

If you are familiar with Google Maps, then you should know how Apple Maps works. Much like the aforementioned app, Apple Maps is a very simple and easy-to-use app. It offers a user-friendly interface that you can easily navigate and explore. It is important to note that Apple Maps is a default map system for almost all the latest iOS-powered devices including iPhone, iPad, and those devices running iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. The core function, as stated above, is to provide directions and estimated times of arrival for automobile, pedestrian, and public transportation navigation. One unique thing about Apple Maps is the ability to switch to different navigation modes. There is a so-called Flyover Mode that enables a user to explore certain densely populated urban centers and other places of interest in a 3D landscape composed of models of buildings and structures.

One of the recently added features is the Cycling Mode where you can get cycling directions using bike lanes, paths, and roads. Similar to Google Maps, Apple Maps also features Indoor Maps that allow you to navigate more easily inside major airports and shopping centers around the world. Maps also display a list of the places you’re most likely to go to, so you can get directions to any of the locations with just a tap. Interestingly, when you perform a search, the Nearby feature lists local places you might be looking for in categories like Restaurants, Gas Stations, Coffee, Hotels, Bars, Fast Food, Groceries, and Shopping Centers. Locations are displayed on the map with colorful badges for easy route planning.

Features

Cycling Mode – You can now use Maps to get cycling directions using bike lanes, paths, and roads. When planning your trip, you can see elevation, busy streets, stairs, and steep passages.

Guides- Discover great places to eat, shop, and explore with Guides. Apple Maps editors have worked with trusted brands to offer Guides for great places around the world to eat, shop, and explore.

EV Routing– EV routing helps you plan trips with a supported electric vehicle and automatically adds charging stops along your route.

Speed and Red Light Cameras – See when you’re approaching speed and red-light cameras along your route.

Refine Location – You can now get a highly accurate location and orientation in dense urban areas by scanning the skyline.

Indoor Maps– With Indoor Maps, you can navigate more easily inside major airports and shopping centers around the world.

Flyover Mode- With Flyover mode, you’ll be able to see select major metro areas from the air with photo‑realistic, immersive 3D views. You can move your device through space to experience a city from above, or explore in high resolution as you zoom, pan, tilt, and rotate around the city and its landmarks

Download & Install Maps

For iOS

1. Maps for iOS requires iOS version 10.0 or higher/ watchOS version 2.2 or later
2. This app is compatible with various Apple products (iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch)
3. The Age Rating for Maps is (4+)
4. The download size for iOS is 0 MB (it’s a default map system for all iOS devices and it is already pre-installed)
5. The app is available in multiple languages

Download Maps