Google announced in a blog post today that it is implementing some of Waze's features in the Google Maps applications for both iOS and Android. Beginning today (the update is rolling out gradually), users of both devices will be able to view real-time incident reports from Waze users, including accidents, construction zones, road closures and more.

The rollout is currently limited to 13 countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, and Mexico, and will rely on data from Waze's user base, which was reported in June to be nearing 50 million users.

waze_incident
Users of Waze are not being left in the dark either, as Google will be gradually rolling out its powerful Search feature into both the web and mobile versions of the Waze service, which will allow for more accurate search results, including the ability to search for local businesses and specific addresses. The Waze Map Editor also features Google Street View after a public beta testing period, which should allow for more accurate maps and route planning.

Waze began as an Israeli startup back in 2008 and was acquired by Google in June of this year for a reported $1.03 billion. It had been rumored that Apple was considering purchasing the company in order to improve its own mapping service, which suffered a number of teething problems since the start, but the deal reportedly fell through over differences in Waze's perceived valuation. Unlike other Google buyouts, such as that of Sparrow, the development of Waze is still active and there are currently no plans to merge the two products.

Top Rated Comments

otismotive77 Avatar
150 months ago
Google is so far ahead in the Maps department that it barely qualifies as a real competition.

Sarcasm?????

Apple was never number one.

Exactly what does Apple want to stay "number 1" at?

They aren't #1 in the mobile arena
They aren't #1 in the desktop OS arena
They aren't #1 in total apps in App Store

They are #1 in a dying market of iPods and currently Profit in App Market profit.

They are barely hanging on if they even are to a single vendor being number 1 with Samsung far exceeding Apple in sales in the last 3 quarters.

What do you want Apple to stay #1 in?

Wake up and read an article outside of an Apple Forum. The market is not what it was when the iPhone had no real competition and never will be again.

everybody, chill! it was just a mistake, i wanted to write google
apple maps isn't the number 1 maps apps and they never were
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Jimmy James Avatar
150 months ago
Google has stopped innovating. Eric Schmidt should be personally reporting on all traffic issues.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
4TheLoveOfTech Avatar
150 months ago
apple wants to stay number 1, and that's why they're constantly updating nad improving their maps app

Exactly what does Apple want to stay "number 1" at?

They aren't #1 in the mobile arena
They aren't #1 in the desktop OS arena
They aren't #1 in total apps in App Store

They are #1 in a dying market of iPods and currently Profit in App Market profit.

They are barely hanging on if they even are to a single vendor being number 1 with Samsung far exceeding Apple in sales in the last 3 quarters.

What do you want Apple to stay #1 in?

Wake up and read an article outside of an Apple Forum. The market is not what it was when the iPhone had no real competition and never will be again.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dpear Avatar
150 months ago
Now for what everyone really wants to know... will the Waze police reports show up in the Maps app too? ;)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ericg301 Avatar
150 months ago
I am sure the scores of loyal waze users are happy and love the product but for me, the UI is too "Fisher Price - My first Navigation App" for me. And those smiley face logos are pointless/useless/absolutely unnecessary.

I am a loyal google maps user and will remain that way until something better comes out.

You know you can turn off 95% of those right?
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
TimeSquareDesi Avatar
150 months ago
I am sure the scores of loyal waze users are happy and love the product but for me, the UI is too "Fisher Price - My first Navigation App" for me. And those smiley face logos are pointless/useless/absolutely unnecessary.

I am a loyal google maps user and will remain that way until something better comes out.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iOS 18

iOS 18.4 Will Include These New Features for Your iPhone

Wednesday February 5, 2025 7:15 am PST by
iOS 18.3 was released last month, so the first iOS 18.4 beta should be coming soon. iOS 18.4 is expected to be a more substantial update for the iPhone, with several new features and changes related to Apple Intelligence and beyond. Apple's website suggests that iOS 18.4 will be released in April, following beta testing. Below, we outline what to expect from the update so far. Apple...
General Apple Invites Feature

Apple Launches New 'Invites' App

Tuesday February 4, 2025 8:00 am PST by
Apple today announced the launch of a new app called "Invites," which is designed to allow users to plan events like birthday parties, graduations, vacations, baby showers, and more. "With Apple Invites, an event comes to life from the moment the invitation is created, and users can share lasting memories even after they get together," said Brent Chiu-Watson, Apple's senior director of...
App Store vs EU Feature 2

Apple Says It Doesn't Approve of EU Porn App

Monday February 3, 2025 1:15 pm PST by
Apple does not approve of the "Hot Tub" pornography app that was released for the iPhone in the EU using alternative app distribution, Apple said in a statement to MacRumors. Further, Apple is concerned about the potential user safety risks with a pornography app, and says that it undermines consumer trust in the Apple ecosystem. We are deeply concerned about the safety risks that hardcore...
maxresdefault

An Apple TV Refresh is Coming in 2025 - Here's What You Should Know

Wednesday February 5, 2025 10:17 am PST by
Apple hasn't refreshed the Apple TV since 2022, but rumors suggest that we're finally going to get an update in 2025. We don't have a full picture of what to expect yet, but we have some hints on what's coming. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Updated A-Series Chip The current Apple TV 4K uses the A15 Bionic chip that was in the iPhone 13 lineup, and it's time for...
iCloud General Feature Redux

iPhone Users Who Pay for iCloud Storage Receive an All-New Perk

Thursday February 6, 2025 11:21 am PST by
If you pay for iCloud storage on your iPhone, Apple has a new perk for you, at no additional cost. iCloud+ is the official name for Apple's paid iCloud storage plans, which range from 50GB for $0.99 per month to 12TB for $59.99 per month in the United States. iCloud+ plans already come with multiple perks for free, such as Hide My Email and HomeKit Secure Video, and now there is another one...
iPhone SE 4 Single Camera Thumb

iPhone SE 4 Launching as Soon as Next Week

Thursday February 6, 2025 3:30 pm PST by
Apple's next-generation iPhone SE could debut as soon as next week with a launch to follow later in February, reports Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Apple isn't expected to hold an event for the iPhone SE 4, and will instead unveil the device through a press release. The iPhone SE 4 is expected to have an iPhone 14-style design, with Apple eliminating the thick bezels and Touch ID Home button of...
iOS 18

iOS 18.3.1 Update Coming Soon for iPhones

Thursday February 6, 2025 7:31 am PST by
Apple is internally testing iOS 18.3.1 for iPhones, according to our website's analytics logs, which have been a consistently reliable indicator of upcoming iOS versions. The software update should be released within the next few weeks. iOS 18.3.1 should be a minor update that addresses software bugs and/or security vulnerabilities. Apple Intelligence notification summaries for news and...
applecare apple care banner

Apple Raises Monthly AppleCare+ Subscription Price for All iPhones

Tuesday February 4, 2025 9:35 am PST by
Apple this week increased the prices for its monthly AppleCare+ subscription prices for the iPhone, raising the cost by 50 cents for all models in the United States. Standard AppleCare+ for the iPhone 16 models is now priced at $10.49 per month, for example, up from the prior $9.99 per month price. The 50 cent price increase applies to all available AppleCare+ plans for Apple's current...