In the three years since Cupertino, California-based Apple broke away from bundling Google Maps into iOS, its replacement, Apple Maps, has made improvements, but for many users of Apple’s mobile operating system, Apple Maps was no match for Google Maps.
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Yes, an update to Google Maps for iOS now includes support for the Apple Watch (via 9to5Mac). For them, at least there’s now the option of getting Google Maps on your wrist with Apple Watch. In addition, a user who activates 3D mode through touch input, gesture input, or audio input will be able to see water with ripples. Apple will have an advantage here and have the revamped maps app out within due time. Once you download the update and add the Google Maps app to your Apple Watch, you can tap one button to get directions to Home or another to get to Work, both of which are set by your Google account.
Elsewhere the iOS update also offers ETA’s for cycling and walking routes, as well as vehicle journeys. This will in turn reduce the user’s effort to search for certain locations.
Although this would be a step-change from where Apple Maps is today, Apple has already started experimenting with 3D animated maps. Regardless, it does provide enough features that will surely be appreciated by users. A number of undisclosed bug fixes were also applied.
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This is still a notable launch, however, not only because it brings Google’s detailed and accurate mapping resource to Apple Watch wearers, but also because it’s Google’s only second-ever app designed for the competing smartwatch platform.
