Chapter 1: A Disappointing Experience with Apple Maps

Recently, during a conversation about a potential trip to Colombia next April, a friend of mine decided to consult Apple Maps. He wanted to find out the driving time between Cartagena and Medellin, considering a road trip between the two cities. However, he was frustrated to find that Apple Maps did not provide a "Directions" option when searching for Cartagena, Colombia. Instead, it only displayed a "More" button that offered a choice to "Download Map."

He expressed his annoyance: "I don’t want to download a map; I just want to know the driving time from Cartagena to Medellin." While having a downloaded map might be beneficial during our trip, that wasn't his immediate need. Unfortunately, there was no way to access directions through Apple Maps at that moment.

We then checked Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, and found the "Directions" button available there. The same was true for Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic and Mexico City, Mexico. But inexplicably, this feature was absent for Colombia, sparking our curiosity.

Could it be due to regulatory issues, a technical glitch, or simply that Apple Maps does not yet support Colombia? After all, not every country has full navigation capabilities. In contrast, Google Maps provided the necessary directions without any issues, highlighting a clear difference.

This experience led me to reflect on the ongoing debate about Apple Maps being superior to Google Maps. While both services generally offer comparable routes, Google Maps boasts superior global coverage and a wealth of data. Some argue that Apple Maps features a sleeker and more visually appealing interface, but does that truly matter?

Though I consider myself an Apple enthusiast, it’s clear that Apple Maps has significant room for improvement before it can rival the established reputation of Google Maps. Many fellow Apple fans acknowledge this fact as well.

Apple Maps has introduced impressive features like augmented reality (AR) walking navigation, which I found particularly impressive during my visit to Switzerland last summer. The service now includes 3D city navigation and even displays electric vehicle charging stations, which is helpful for Tesla drivers. However, these advancements do not convincingly argue in favor of Apple Maps being better than Google Maps.

From my observations, Apple Maps tends to perform reliably in developed countries such as the United States, Europe, and possibly Singapore, but it still has much to improve in many developing nations. Google Maps just works seamlessly.

As someone from the Philippines, I can attest that many people in my country trust Google Maps far more than Apple Maps. There have been numerous instances worldwide where Apple Maps has directed users incorrectly, even suggesting routes on roads closed for construction. In some cases, it has recommended paths with heavier traffic than other available options.

Reliability is crucial. When you need to arrive at your destination without getting lost, Google's experience clearly gives it an edge. While Apple Maps might be visually appealing, Google Maps is far more practical. Yes, the photorealistic 3D renderings are engaging, but ultimately, reaching your grandmother's house is what truly counts.

In conclusion, while Apple Maps is making strides, Google Maps still holds the crown for navigation.

The first video titled "Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Which Is Best in 2024?" delves into the ongoing rivalry between these two mapping services, assessing their strengths and weaknesses.

The second video titled "Apple Maps vs Google Maps - Head-to-Head Comparison! [2023]" provides a detailed comparison of features and usability, helping viewers decide which service suits their needs better.