googlemapsGoogle today updated its Google Maps app to version 3.2.0, adding several new functions to improve the utility of the app. Search results now appear with descriptions on the map to make choosing an option easier, and search results can be viewed on the map or on a list.

The locations of reservations and appointments drawn in from Gmail are also displayed directly on the map. While Google mentions Explore in the release notes to draw users to try the feature, the local point of interest feature is not new.

What's new

- Search results appear with descriptions right on the map, to help you make choices quickly

- View search results on the map or in a list and easily switch between them
- See your reservations and appointments from Gmail labeled on the map
-Try the new Explore, a local guide that shows you different places and activities depending on the location and time of day

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

Top Rated Comments

avanpelt Avatar
149 months ago
Apple Maps vs. Google Maps is kind of like the Android vs. iPhone choice for me. Let me explain...

I had an Android phone for about 15 months a few years ago -- a Droid X. I liked the customizability of Android; but when it came down to actually doing things that were useful on the phone, it seemed like the phone was constantly getting in the way -- it would reboot in the middle of phone calls, freeze and require a battery pull once every few weeks or so, etc. So while the customization of Android was nice, in the end, I came back to the iPhone because the Android phone wasn't consistently performing well at basic tasks.

I dislike Apple Maps for much the same reason. Having the map and directions on the lockscreen is fantastic and Flyover is neat, I guess; but when it comes down to actually using the app for basic things (looking up a business), the app gets in the way because the POI database sucks. So, I continue to use Google Maps for much the same reason I left Android and came back to the iPhone -- when it comes down to what I need the app to do reliably (get me from A to B), Google Maps has an excellent track record with me and Apple Maps does not.
Score: 9 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarpalMac Avatar
149 months ago
Let me get this straight: after searching for something, you get to actually see what you searched for, and its on a Map?!?

Goooooooo Google! Keep innovating! xD
I just opened Google maps on my iPhone and typed coffee. It returned 5 results which I know are all valid.

Doing the same with apple maps I got: 0

Innovation is not owned by Apple.. :rolleyes:
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
C DM Avatar
149 months ago
Let me get this straight: after searching for something, you get to actually see what you searched for, and its on a Map?!?

Goooooooo Google! Keep innovating! xD
With descriptions. It's an improvement/enhancement, no one brought up "innovation".
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MartinAppleGuy Avatar
149 months ago
I just wished Google maps had Apple UI. I hate the UI of Google maps when compared to Apple maps. When I need to get directions, I have to decide between a nice UI or getting to the destination. Tricky ;)
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bozzykid Avatar
149 months ago
Do you like google for their spying?

Apple is using the same user data from Apple Maps that Google does. Google isn't the only one using your location data.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
SockRolid Avatar
149 months ago
... I like google for their data.

Do you like google for their spying?
And their spamtacular pay-for-placement search results?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

iPhone Pocket Short

iPhone Pocket is Now Completely Sold Out Worldwide

Tuesday November 25, 2025 7:16 am PST by
Apple recently teamed up with Japanese fashion brand ISSEY MIYAKE to create the iPhone Pocket, a limited-edition knitted accessory designed to carry an iPhone. However, it is now completely sold out in all countries where it was released. iPhone Pocket became available to order on Apple's online store starting Friday, November 14, in the United States, France, China, Italy, Japan, Singapore, ...
Netflix Smaller 4

Netflix Kills Casting From Its Mobile App to Most Modern TVs

Monday December 1, 2025 4:36 am PST by
Netflix has quietly removed the ability to cast content from its mobile apps to most modern TVs and streaming devices, including newer Chromecast models and the Google TV Streamer. The change was first spotted by users on Reddit and confirmed in an updated Netflix support page (via Android Authority), which now states that the streaming service no longer supports casting from mobile devices...
Sad Siri Feature

Apple AI Chief John Giannandrea Retiring After Siri Delays

Monday December 1, 2025 2:16 pm PST by
Apple AI chief John Giannandrea is stepping down from his position and retiring in spring 2026, Apple announced today. Giannandrea will serve as an advisor between now and 2026, with former Microsoft AI researcher Amar Subramanya set to take over as vice president of AI. Subramanya will report to Apple engineering chief Craig Federighi, and will lead Apple Foundation Models, ML research, and ...
Cyber Week Deals 2025

Best Cyber Week Apple Deals Include Big Discounts on AirPods, Apple Watch, and More

Sunday November 30, 2025 7:33 am PST by
Cyber Week is here, and you can find popular Apple products like AirPods, iPad, Apple Watch, and more at all-time low prices. In this article, the majority of the discounts will be found on Amazon. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a purchase, we may receive a small payment, which helps us keep the site running. Specifically,...
iOS 26

When Will Apple Release iOS 26.2?

Monday December 1, 2025 4:37 pm PST by
We're getting closer to the launch of the final major iOS update of the year, with Apple set to release iOS 26.2 in December. We've had three betas so far and are expecting a fourth beta or a release candidate this week, so a launch could follow as soon as next week. Past Launch Dates Apple's past iOS x.2 updates from the last few years have all happened right around the middle of the...
maxresdefault

iPhone Fold: Launch, Pricing, and What to Expect From Apple's Foldable

Monday December 1, 2025 3:00 am PST by
Apple is expected to launch a new foldable iPhone next year, based on multiple rumors and credible sources. The long-awaited device has been rumored for years now, but signs increasingly suggest that 2026 could indeed be the year that Apple releases its first foldable device. Subscribe to the MacRumors YouTube channel for more videos. Below, we've collated an updated set of key details that ...
studio display purple february

M5 iPad Pro Could Hint at New Studio Display Feature

Sunday November 30, 2025 10:30 am PST by
The updated specs of the M5 iPad Pro may point toward a major new feature for Apple's next-generation Studio Display expected in early 2026. Apple's latest iPad Pro debuted last month and contains one display-related change that stands out: it can now drive external monitors at up to 120Hz with Adaptive Sync. The feature should deliver lower latency, smoother motion, and fewer visual...
New Intel Logo

Apple and Intel Rumored to Partner on Mac Chips Again in a New Way

Friday November 28, 2025 7:33 am PST by
While all Macs are now powered by Apple's custom-designed chips, a new rumor claims that Apple may rekindle its partnership with Intel, albeit in a new and limited way. Apple supply chain analyst Ming-Chi Kuo today said Intel is expected to begin shipping Apple's lowest-end M-series chip as early as mid-2027. Kuo said Apple plans to utilize Intel's 18A process, which is the "earliest...
Touchscreen MacBook Feature

Here Are the Four MacBooks Apple Is Expected to Launch Next Year

Monday December 1, 2025 5:00 am PST by
2026 could be a bumper year for Apple's Mac lineup, with the company expected to announce as many as four separate MacBook launches. Rumors suggest Apple will court both ends of the consumer spectrum, with more affordable options for students and feature-rich premium lines for users that seek the highest specifications from a laptop. Below is a breakdown of what we're expecting over the next ...
iphone black friday gold

The Best Black Friday iPhone Deals Still Available

Friday November 28, 2025 6:24 am PST by
Cellular carriers have always offered big savings on the newest iPhone models during the holidays, and Black Friday 2025 sales have kicked off at AT&T, Verizon, T-Mobile, and more. Right now we're tracking notable offers on the iPhone 17, iPhone 17 Pro, iPhone 17 Pro Max, and iPhone Air. For even more savings, keep an eye on older models during the holiday shopping season. Note: MacRumors is...