Google is updating its Google Maps app today, boosting the app's turn-by-turn direction capabilities. Google Maps will now show drivers which lane to use through its new lane guidance feature and it's also easier to access alternate routes while navigating.

While Google Maps has always supported the storage of maps for use offline, there's now a specific "save maps to use offline" option within the app, making it easier to keep track of saved routes. The app has gained new filters to let users browse restaurant and venue selections based on hours, ratings, price, and more, and specific points of interest can be saved to the app.

googlemapsapp

Don't worry if you're not online. Before setting off on your next vacation, hike, or roadtrip, search for an area and tap on its place info sheet, then when available, you can select "Save map to use offline," and give your map a custom name, like "Toronto Vacation." To find your offline maps, sign-in, tap the profile icon next to the search box in the top right corner, and scroll to see "Toronto Vacation" and other saved maps.

In select cities, Google Maps will integrate with Uber, letting users compare an Uber ride option with transit and walking directions to determine the faster travel option. Google's newest update is rolling out to users today and should be available on the iPhone and the iPad shortly.

Google Maps can be downloaded for free from the App Store. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

154 months ago
I've been avoiding Google Maps for turn by turn but this... This might make me change my mind.

PS: Please lose the "Uber." It sounds childish.

I'm sure Google will disable the feature and Uber will change its company name because you don't like it.
Score: 17 Votes (Like | Disagree)
154 months ago
Saving maps for offline guidance is something that needs to be in Apple maps. Its really a neat feature
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
154 months ago
Funny, the previous article talks about Apple suing Google yet we have an article about Google updating Maps for iOS. I bet the next article will be about the use of Samsung components in iPhone 6. People want to hate the competition but they still use their resources. That's like a vegetarian that kills animals for sport.
Score: 6 Votes (Like | Disagree)
fruitpunch.ben Avatar
154 months ago
I prefer Apple Maps' uncluttered UI and colour scheme, but am on occasion forced to switch to Google Maps:
1. When Apple Maps inexplicably is missing major (newish) roads and freeways, which happens more often in the Vancouver Area than you'd think
2. Whenever I'm searching for businesses. Apple just simply isn't good enough
3. And now, apparently, when I'm in unfamiliar spots, and need lane guidance. Hopefully iOS 8 catches up in all of these areas, or I'm gonna have to jump ship entirely
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rwilliams Avatar
154 months ago
Man, I've been trying to stick with Apple Maps, but Google keeps widening the distance between the two. If Google Maps would add Night Mode, I'd leave Apple's product altogether.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
154 months ago
Who would vacation in Toronto?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...