Redesigned Google Maps App with iPad Support and Explore Feature Hits the App Store - MacRumorsOpen MenuShow RoundupsShow Forums menuVisit ForumsOpen Sidebar
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

iphone 18 pro blue%402x

iPhone 18 Pro: Dark Cherry, Light Blue, and Dark Gray Chassis Leaked [Update]

Thursday June 4, 2026 5:18 am PDT by
Update: Since publication, new information has come to light suggesting the images have been AI-manipulated and are not in fact iPhone 18 Pro chassis parts. The original article follows. The color options Apple is reportedly planning for the upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and ‌iPhone 18 Pro‌ Max have appeared online today in the form of images of chassis parts of unknown authenticity....
Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple Says CarPlay Ultra is Coming to These Vehicle Brands

Thursday May 21, 2026 11:53 am PDT by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly a year later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. CarPlay Ultra...
iOS 27 All the New App Features

iOS 27: All the Rumored App Features

Wednesday June 3, 2026 3:48 pm PDT by
Siri is getting a major overhaul in iOS 27, but Apple also has some big updates planned for apps like Camera, Photos, and Wallet. There are multiple new AI features in the works, plus some non-AI upgrades. Camera Apple is moving Visual Intelligence from the Camera Control button to the Camera app in iOS 27, according to Bloomberg. There will be a Siri mode that will be available alongside...

Top Rated Comments

168 months ago
I prefer Apple maps.
Score: 47 Votes (Like | Disagree)
168 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)
168 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
168 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
168 months ago
Heads and tails better than Apple maps.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Analog Kid Avatar
168 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 Mac Rumors has become out of bounds?

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