A mapping and navigation application for Apple devices. Introduced in 2012 with iOS 6, Apple Maps replaced Google Maps, which was its featured mapping app at the time. Apple Maps includes turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic information and "flyover" 3D views of major cities and landmarks. The public transport networks in major cities are also included. Starting with iOS 11, indoor maps for shopping malls and airports were added.
Not What Users Expected
At launch, Apple's map data was not very extensive. Combined with erroneous results reported by users, Apple CEO Tim Cook publicly apologized and suggested users download other software until Apple Maps was improved. Google Maps quickly became available in the Apple App Store. However, over time, Apple Maps was vastly improved and today competes head-to-head with all other mapping and navigation software. See
iOS versions and
Google Maps.