The Apple Maps app is getting a major new feature in iOS 17: offline maps. Learn how this feature works and how it stands out from the competition from Google and its mapping application, Google Maps.
The feature came more than 10 years after Apple Maps appeared in Google’s app, around the time the default Maps app was replaced by Cupertino’s native app.
It’s very comprehensive, supporting not only basic map display, but also turn-by-turn navigation, and even additional information about cached locations.
Browsing works as expected even without an internet connection. / © The next pit
When navigating offline, voice guidance continues to work, even Estimated Time of Arrival (ETA) information works as usual. One feature that Apple seems to be taking a step further is caching additional location information.
While Google Maps saves the name, address, phone number, and opening hours of saved places, Apple Maps, at least in the first beta of iOS 17, caches details such as brief descriptions, useful information (accepted payment methods, parking options, etc.) bits, etc.)
In our brief test, Apple Maps even managed to cache train station departures, which can come in handy when traveling abroad, provided the service is on time, of course. This feature may not be enough for train spotters, but if you update the map before leaving your hotel room, it should be fine, eg.
Apple Maps caches public transit departures for trains and subways. / © The next pit
Another difference from Google Maps is that the iOS app provides clear indicators of places saved on the device, with “CloudlessThis clearly indicates the available offline maps. When zooming to street level, available areas are highlighted, avoiding unnecessarily zooming into unsaved areas.
Clear outlines represent maps that can be used without an internet connection. / © The next pit
As expected, offline data from the Apple Maps app takes more MB than Google’s for similar coverage areas, so keep that in mind if you’re low on storage. . Of course, in cities where Apple provides more metadata, such as the US, the difference will be greater.
How do I use Apple’s Offline Maps feature?
One of the benefits of Apple’s implementation of offline maps is the ease of saving an area on the iPhone.The easiest way is to search for the POI as usual and press the button download. All you have to do is confirm the region you want to cache and press the big blue button download.
Downloading offline maps in the Apple app is almost as easy as finding the location you want. / © The next pit
Another approach similar to Google Maps:
- Click your profile picture next to the search bar.
- choose offline map.
- choose download new map.
- Confirm the desired area, and press download.
Apple Maps Offline / © nextpit
Oh, and one last thing, Apple Maps not only allows offline maps to be renamed, but also saved areas to be edited.Just select a download area to find a button adjust size On the same screen where cards can be renamed and deleted.
This feature requires an Internet connection, eg if you desperately need a few MB, it does not allow shrinking the area.
Ultimately, Apple’s addition of Offline Maps not only matches, but surpasses Google Maps in some important ways. As an Android (formerly Here Maps @ WP7) user, this doesn’t help me at all, and doesn’t tempt me into buying an iPhone.
But if I had an iPhone as my primary smartphone, I would easily have maps cached in both apps.
And you? Are you an iPhone user who has converted to Apple Maps, or a die-hard Google Maps fan? Or are you still using the old Here WeGo app, why?
Also learn how to use Contacts Poster on iPhone. Also read how to make your Android smartphone faster.