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For supported cities (NYC, LA, SF, London, Tokyo, Paris, etc.), Apple Maps renders 3D buildings, custom landmarks, accurate elevation, real road textures. Pinch and rotate to explore in 3D. Far more detailed than Google's 3D view.
Access: Open Maps → tap the layers icon (top right) → choose "Standard" with 3D mode active.
Look Around is Apple's equivalent of Google Street View. Higher resolution. Available in major metros. Tap a road in Maps; if available, binoculars icon appears in info card → tap → full-screen Look Around.
Drag to pan, pinch to zoom. Useful for: scouting a destination before driving, exploring neighborhoods virtually, finding visual landmarks.
For unfamiliar cities, Apple Maps walking directions can show AR arrows overlaid on the camera view. Hold iPhone up; floating arrows point where to walk.
Activate: Get walking directions → tap "AR" button (when available). Brilliant for confusing intersections, subway exits.
For EV drivers, Apple Maps integrates with your vehicle's charging level + route plans charging stops automatically. Pre-conditioning notifications. Charging port compatibility filtering.
Supported: Tesla (via Apple), Porsche, BMW i-series, others. Check car compatibility in CarPlay settings.
Apple Maps transit is excellent for major cities. Real-time bus/subway times. Walking directions to station, then transit, then walking from final station. Apple Watch displays your stop sequence on wrist.
Create custom Guides for trip planning, restaurant lists, must-visit spots:
Guides sync across iPhone, iPad, Mac. Perfect for trip planning.
In iOS 17+, Apple Maps supports offline maps. Download entire metro areas for use without cellular data. Useful internationally or in rural areas.
Setup: Search a city → tap Download in the result card → choose area size → tap Download.
Apple Maps now shows Tripadvisor + Yelp reviews + ratings + photos for restaurants, hotels, attractions. Consolidates multiple review sources in one app. Saves switching between apps.
Bigger display for Maps. Best GPS antenna in iPhone lineup. Pairs cleanly with CarPlay for in-car Maps.
Shop iPhone 17 Pro Max →For cars without CarPlay or as supplement to CarPlay display, MagSafe vent mount keeps Maps visible.
Shop MagSafe Car Mounts →Apple Watch displays Maps directions on wrist — useful when walking unfamiliar cities. Cellular lets you navigate without iPhone.
Shop Apple Watch Cellular →Apple Maps wins on: integration with iOS, Look Around, Detailed City, Apple Watch experience, CarPlay polish.
Google Maps wins on: international coverage (especially developing countries), lane guidance in some markets, business hours accuracy, broader review database.
For US/UK/EU users, Apple Maps in 2026 is genuinely competitive. For developing markets, Google Maps still wins.
Setting up CarPlay + Apple Watch + offline Maps for trip planning — mail-in setup available.