It has been known since WWDC in June that iOS 12 will start supporting Google Maps on CarPlay. With Apple releasing the latest iOS version earlier this week, users now have the option to replace Apple Maps with Google Maps on CarPlay.
CarPlay now supports third-party navigation apps
Apple released iOS 12 for iPhones and iPads on Monday. Google also updated its app to support CarPlay, giving users the option to replace their Apple Maps with Google Maps on Apple’s infotainment system. Google announced CarPlay support via a tweet and blog post.
“Google Maps is now supported by Apple CarPlay, which means that iPhone users can navigate with Google Maps right from their car’s built-in display,” Google said in a blog post.
Both Google Maps and Waze are already available on Android Auto. Thus, developers have a good idea of how to optimize the performance of their apps for an in-car display. Though Apple Maps continues to get better over time, Google Maps and Waze (also owned by Google) have their own advantages when it comes to accuracy and being user-friendly.
Introducing Google Maps on CarPlay. Now you can get the best of Maps from iOS, right in your car → https://t.co/mA6VxxSlOA pic.twitter.com/5ogDDTsrdK
— Google Maps (@googlemaps) September 18, 2018
Google Maps uses its own traffic and mapping data, making it more accurate. It also syncs with the locations saved by users. On the other hand, Waze’s warning system is unrivaled in the industry. Screenshots shared by CarPlay users after they decided to replace Apple Maps with Google Maps indicate that Google Maps retains its look and functionalities even after following CarPlay’s UI guidelines.
You can search for locations, get real-time information on traffic jams and delays, check alternative routes, and more. One limitation is that you can’t use Siri to control Google Maps. You can also start Google Maps from your iPhone and continue where you left off once connected to CarPlay.
“Google Maps on CarPlay lets you start navigation from your iPhone and immediately pick up where you left off once you’ve connected to CarPlay — because we know that minutes matter when you’re pressed for time,” the search giant said.
How to replace Apple Maps with Google Maps
Google Maps now supports all vehicles with CarPlay, but to replace Apple Maps with Google Maps, you will need to update the Google Maps app to Version 5.0 in the App Store. Also make sure you are using iOS 12.
You need to follow a simple process to replace Apple Maps with Google Maps. First, go to Settings and select CarPlay. Next, select your vehicle and jump to the second page of the app. Then tap and hold Google Maps to drag it onto the Home screen, and that’s it.
Waze is also expected to support CarPlay, but the search giant has yet to update the app to support CarPlay. Expect the Waze update and a similar update to other third-party apps to arrive soon, giving you more alternatives for Apple Maps.
Apple Maps vs. Google Maps
Google Maps is the preferred choice of the majority of users, and Apple knows this. This is why a few months ago, the iPhone maker revealed its intentions to completely overhaul its Maps app. In an interview with TechCrunch in June, Apple Senior Vice President Eddie Cue revealed that the company had made “a huge investment of making millions of changes, adding millions of locations, updating the map and changing the map more frequently.”
Apple Maps is still far behind Google Maps when it comes to accuracy. When the app was launched in 2012, CEO Tim Cook had to issue a public apology for its many blunders, including mislabeled landmarks.
To improve its navigation app, Apple fitted a fleet of vans with equipment to collect updated mapping data. Apple is also reportedly counting on iPhone users to provide anonymous location data by opening the map app. Users’ personal privacy is not compromised, as the mapping data is anonymous. iPhone users can also opt out of sending data to the company.
With such improvements in the works, it will be interesting to see whether or not Apple improves its Maps enough to prevent users from replacing it with other navigation options such as Google Maps and Waze.
