Google Maps for iOS Gains Uber Integration, Lane Guidance, Improved Offline Maps - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Google Maps for iOS Gains Uber Integration, Lane Guidance, Improved Offline Maps

by

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

158 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)
158 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)
158 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
158 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
158 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)
158 months ago
Who would vacation in Toronto?
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Chase Sapphire Reserve Apple Perk Feature

New 'Apple One' Perk Extends to Chase's Sapphire Reserve Credit Card

Tuesday June 16, 2026 6:26 am PDT by
Yesterday, we reported that Chase's Sapphire Preferred credit card ($95 annual fee) now offers a complimentary one-year Apple TV streaming subscription, or a $7.50/month discount on an active Apple One subscription instead. It turns out that the Apple One discount now extends to Chase's premium Sapphire Reserve credit card too ($795 annual fee). The Sapphire Reserve has offered free...
Chase Sapphire Reserve Apple Perk Feature

Chase Sapphire Preferred Card Introduces New Perk for Apple Customers

Monday June 15, 2026 12:07 pm PDT by
Chase this week announced new perks for its Sapphire Preferred credit card, and one of them is a complimentary one-year Apple TV streaming subscription. To get the free year of Apple TV, which typically costs $12.99 per month in the U.S., you must activate the card by December 31, 2026. If you are already subscribed to Apple TV directly through Apple, the complimentary subscription from...
Dynamic Island iPhone 18 Pro Feature

12 Reasons to Wait for the iPhone 18 Pro

Thursday June 18, 2026 2:17 am PDT by
We're only three months out from the launch of Apple's premium next-generation smartphone lineup, and while we're not expecting a sea change in terms of functionality, there are still several enhancements rumored to be coming to the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth noting is that Apple is reportedly planning a major change to its iPhone release cycle this year, adopting a ...