Redesigned Google Maps App with iPad Support and Explore Feature Hits the App Store - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Redesigned Google Maps App with iPad Support and Explore Feature Hits the App Store

As announced last week, Google has begun rolling out a revamped version of its Maps app for iOS, adding support for the larger screen of the iPad, enhanced navigation features, and a new Explore feature.

Google Maps 2.0 for iOS includes both live traffic updates and incident reports that offer details on current traffic conditions. Unlike the Android version of the app, it does not include on-the-fly rerouting, but Google has said that it plans to add the feature in the future. The new version of Maps also offers indoor directions and maps for malls, airports, transit stations, and more.

maps1
Explore, which was first introduced at Google I/O earlier this year, offers users a way to discover nearby businesses and restaurants. It incorporates Zagat ratings and deals through integration with Google Offers.

maps2
The old version of Google Maps has been removed from the App Store, and while the revamped version is available in several countries in Asia at the current point in time, it is not expected to be available in the U.S. until later. As noted by 9to5Mac, however, the app can be acquired immediately by deleting the old app and re-downloading it from iCloud.

Update: Google Maps can now be downloaded from the U.S. App Store.

Popular Stories

iOS 26

iOS 26.4 Adds Two New Features to CarPlay

Tuesday March 24, 2026 1:55 pm PDT by
iOS 26.4 was released today, and it includes a couple of new features for CarPlay: an Ambient Music widget and support for voice-based chatbot apps. To update your iPhone 11 or newer to iOS 26.4, open the Settings app and tap on General → Software Update. CarPlay will automatically offer the new features so long as the iPhone connected to your vehicle is running iOS 26.4 or later....
Apple Business hero

Apple Unveils 'Apple Business' All-in-One Platform

Tuesday March 24, 2026 8:53 am PDT by
Apple today announced Apple Business, a new all-in-one platform that unifies device management, productivity tools, and customer outreach features. The service is designed to be a consolidated replacement for several of Apple's existing business-focused offerings, including Apple Business Essentials, Apple Business Manager, and Apple Business Connect. It provides organizations with a single...
AirPods Pro Firmware Feature

Apple Releases New Firmware for AirPods Pro 3, AirPods Pro 2 and AirPods 4

Tuesday March 24, 2026 12:31 pm PDT by
Apple today released new firmware for the AirPods Pro 2, AirPods Pro 3, and the AirPods 4. The firmware has a version number of 8B39, up from 8B34 on the AirPods Pro 3, 8B28 on the AirPods Pro 2, and 8B21 on the AirPods 4. There is no word on what's included in the firmware, but Apple has a support document with limited notes. Most updates are limited to bug fixes and performance...

Top Rated Comments

166 months ago
I prefer Apple maps.
Score: 47 Votes (Like | Disagree)
166 months ago
Yes!
But honestly, I'm accustomed to the Apple Maps app now too; it has greatly improved since its inception.
Score: 33 Votes (Like | Disagree)
166 months ago
Apple maps has something Google does not... it makes you laugh. 40% of the times the address is wrong, it takes me to the wrong place or will not find nor interpret the address right. It is very tricky/ risky.
Score: 26 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Technarchy Avatar
166 months ago
Yes!
But honestly, I'm accustomed to the Apple Maps app now too; it has greatly improved since its inception.
Same here.

And the lack of Siri and deep iOS integration is a deal breaker for other mapping solutions.

I'm digging my Apple maps.
Score: 19 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Mad Mac Maniac Avatar
166 months ago
Heads and tails better than Apple maps.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Analog Kid Avatar
166 months ago
Thought this was funny:

[... Apple Maps bashing image ...]

I soon as I saw this article, I knew there was going to be some biased Google-hating Apple-loving comment...

^ It was the first comment. Not bad. Ya'll are improving, I usually I have to wait until at least the third comment to read the typical Apple propaganda.

:rolleyes:
"I prefer Apple Maps" is now Google-hating propaganda?

I found it unbearable enough around here when simply criticizing Uncle Google was cause for mob justice. Now a mild statement of preference for an Apple product on GeekWebGuides has become out of bounds?

This is freaking ridiculous.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)