Google Maps 4.4.0

Apple may try to steal Google’s customers by offering its own comprehensive Maps application, but the search giant won’t barge. It not only offers a free-to-download Google Maps app for iOS, but also constantly updates it with exciting new stuff.

No wonder then that Google Maps remains a top-downloaded app on iOS. Plus, customers who’ve had run-ins with Apple’s service and got lost are even more faithful to Google’s offerings.

UI is all map

If there’s anyone who doesn’t know what Google Maps looks like, just scroll down to the pictures to make an idea. It’s really not fair to judge this app from a design standpoint, as it’s almost devoid of it. Instead, Google focuses the service on the mapping, which is exactly what a navigation app should do. The UI is iOS 7-centric, and the fonts and iconography are very modern and readable.

Google’s Material Design has been pushed to Maps too and that is obvious when handling the app. There are now bold graphics, there’s a new fluidity to the app and an overall better experience. If you’re used to Google’s other tools, then you’re probably already become accustomed to what Material Design brings to the table and just how much more efficient app browsing is thanks to it.

Another really cool feature for those of you who live in a city where Uber is available, Maps will display an estimate time and cost of taking Uber if you have the alternative transport company’s app installed. When searching for restaurants you'll also be able to take advantage of an additional feature which enables you to look for a certain cuisine.

If you want to check out another city in the world on the map, you'll also be pleasantly surprised to notice that Maps also displays the weather info for that specific location.

The app’s rating has been pushed from 4+ to 12+ following recent updates, mostly due to the various content you can stumble over while navigating the streets of the world.

The de-facto mobile mapping service

Google Maps remains the top choice for any user who knows what’s good for them. Despite Apple fixing its buggy Maps app, a cat bitten once by a snake dreads even rope. Plus, there’s really not much that you could miss by going with Google’s service.

You get accurate maps in 220 countries and territories, voice-guided GPS navigation for driving, biking, and walking, transit directions and maps, live traffic conditions, incident reports, automatic rerouting, detailed information on places nearby (much like TripAdvisor), and of course everyone’s favorite, Street View.

Considering that some features are not available in all countries, your impression of Google Maps may vary. In some instances, a different app will be much better suited for your location.

Also worth noting is that Google Maps’ navigation feature is highly imperfect. It’s not necessarily Google’s fault all the time, but it’s important to note that Google Maps is not much more reliable than Apple Maps or any other top mapping service.

Add to watchlist:

Public transitMapsGPSCompass

• GPS navigation BE-ON-ROAD 3.10
• Je suis Charlie 1.1
• Waze Social GPS, Maps & Traffic 3.9.2
• Commander Compass Lite 3.7.7

Portable version:

• Google Maps for Windows Phone
• Google Maps for Android