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
148 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
148 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
148 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
148 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
148 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
148 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

Apple Shopping Event 2025

Apple Announces 2025 Black Friday Event, Here's What You Can Get

Thursday November 20, 2025 6:28 am PST by
Apple's annual four-day Black Friday through Cyber Monday shopping event is returning on Friday, November 28 through Monday, December 1 in many countries, including the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the United Kingdom, Belgium, the Netherlands, Sweden, Thailand, and others. During the shopping event, customers can get an Apple gift card with...
iOS 26

iOS 26.2 Adds These New Features to Your iPhone

Thursday November 20, 2025 10:50 am PST by
iOS 26.2 is currently in beta testing. The upcoming update includes a handful of new features and changes on the iPhone, including a new Liquid Glass slider for the Lock Screen's clock, offline lyrics for Apple Music, and more. In a recent press release, Apple confirmed that iOS 26.2 will be released to all users in December, but it did not provide a specific release date. Keep reading...
hikawa phone grip stand apple%402x

Apple Launches Second Limited-Edition iPhone Accessory in a Month

Friday November 21, 2025 3:53 am PST by
Apple has begun selling the Hikawa Phone Grip and Stand, a new limited-edition iPhone accessory designed with accessibility in mind. Designed by LA-based Bailey Hikawa to celebrate the 40th anniversary of accessibility at Apple, the grip uses magnets to securely snap onto any iPhone with MagSafe. Apple says it can be removed with ease, and doubles as a stand with two different viewing...
iPhone 17 Pro Cosmic Orange

10 Reasons to Wait for Next Year's iPhone 18 Pro

Wednesday November 19, 2025 4:00 am PST by
Apple's iPhone development roadmap runs several years into the future and the company is continually working with suppliers on several successive iPhone models at the same time, which is why we often get rumored features months ahead of launch. The iPhone 18 series is no different, and we already have a good idea of what to expect for the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. One thing worth...
ipad black friday 2025

The Best Early Black Friday iPad Deals

Thursday November 20, 2025 10:20 am PST by
Black Friday is just over a week away, and iPad deals have finally started to flood in at retailers like Amazon and Best Buy. Below we're tracking discounts on every current generation iPad, including lowest-ever prices on M3 iPad Air and M5 iPad Pro, plus steep markdowns on iPad and iPad mini. Note: MacRumors is an affiliate partner with some of these vendors. When you click a link and make a ...
watchos 26 workout app

Apple Watch Users Claim Workout App Is Now Worse in Every Way

Thursday November 20, 2025 7:01 am PST by
Apple Watch owners have been voicing their frustration online over changes to the Workout app that Apple introduced in watchOS 26, with many finding the redesigned interface makes starting exercises difficult and exasperating. When Apple launched watchOS 26 in September, the Workout app went from large, easily tapped workout tiles to a scrolling, corner-button interface. Instead of tapping a ...
ipad mini 7 feature red and blue

iPad Mini 8: Four Major New Features to Expect

Wednesday November 19, 2025 7:50 am PST by
Apple's eighth-generation iPad mini is highly likely to arrive next year, offering a significant refresh of the device with at least four major new features. OLED Display The next-generation version of the iPad mini could feature an OLED display, as part of Apple's plan to expand the display technology across many more of its devices. Apple's first OLED device was the Apple Watch in 2015, ...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Two More U.S. States Commit to Offering iPhone Driver's Licenses in Apple Wallet App

Thursday November 20, 2025 8:21 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. Earlier this week, Illinois became the 13th state in the U.S. to offer the feature. Subsequently, we shared a list of additional states that are committed...
android iphone airdrop quickshare

iPhone Users Can Now AirDrop Files to Android Devices

Thursday November 20, 2025 9:47 am PST by
Google today announced a new cross-platform feature that allows for file sharing between iPhone and Android users. With AirDrop on the iPhone and QuickShare on Pixel 10 devices, there is a new file transfer function available. The file sharing option works on Apple devices that include iPhone, iPad, and Mac, along with the Pixel 10, Pixel 10 Pro, Pixel 10 Pro XL, and Pixel 10 Fold....