Google Earth iOS App Updated With Flyover-Like 3D Views and 64-Bit Support - MacRumors
Skip to Content

Google Earth iOS App Updated With Flyover-Like 3D Views and 64-Bit Support

by

Google Earth for iOS today received a major update that brings a collection of new features to the interactive mapping app, as well as introducing 64-bit app support so it can run on iOS 11 devices. Apple reminded developers over the summer that once iOS 11 launches to the public, it will cease support of 32-bit apps altogether and only allow 64-bit apps and app updates to be submitted to the App Store.

In its announcement, Google positioned the updated app as a way for users to discover new travel destinations. With the new add-ons, users will now be able to explore locations around the world with a 3D button that refocuses Google Maps and begins circling around a city chosen by the user, similar to Flyover in Apple Maps. All of the updates coming to iOS previously debuted on Android in April.

google earth update 1

Summer is one of my favorite seasons. It's a time to travel with my family, for discovering new places and creating new memories. Google Earth is where I turn to for travel ideas. Just last month I was exploring Canada's National Parks. Inspired by the beautiful outdoor imagery, I'm planning to hit the road with my wife and kids in a couple weeks, up the coast to Hoh Rain Forest in Washington, and then onward to beautiful Victoria, Canada, home of the Pacific Rim National Park Reserve.

And starting today, if you’re an iOS user, you can download Google Earth and discover your next travel destination, too.

There's also a new feature called "Voyager" that brings up interactive stories from places around the world with information like the best museums, parks, and landmarks broken down in categories including editor's picks, travel, nature, culture, history, and education.

google earth 3
To discover a random new destination on the planet, there's a new dice rolling button that surfaces a new location for users to read up on each time it's pressed. Google also added an in-app screenshot, or "Postcard," feature that lets users take pictures of the locations they explore with the new 3D mode.

Google Earth is available to download from the iOS App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

thewiccaman Avatar
121 months ago
Google Earth for iOS today received a major update ('https://www.blog.google/products/earth/plan-your-next-adventure-new-google-earth-ios-app/') that brings a collection of new features to the interactive mapping app, as well as introducing 64-bit app support so it can run on iOS 11 devices. Apple reminded developers over the summer ('https://www.macrumors.com/2017/06/28/apple-wwdc-transcripts-and-app-requirements/') that once iOS 11 launches to the public, it will cease support of 32-bit apps altogether and only allow 64-bit apps and app updates to be submitted to the App Store.

In its announcement, Google positioned the updated app as a way for users to discover new travel destinations. With the new add-ons, users will now be able to explore locations around the world with a 3D button that refocuses Google Maps and begins circling around a city chosen by the user, similar to Flyover in Apple Maps. All of the updates coming to iOS previously debuted on Android in April.


There's also a new feature called "Voyager" that brings up interactive stories from places around the world with information like the best museums, parks, and landmarks broken down in categories including editor's picks, travel, nature, culture, history, and education.



To discover a random new destination on the planet, there's a new dice rolling button that surfaces a new location for users to read up on each time it's pressed. Google also added an in-app screenshot, or "Postcard," feature that lets users take pictures of the locations they explore with the new 3D mode.

Google Earth ('http://appshopper.com/travel/google-earth') is available to download from the iOS App Store for free. [Direct Link ('https://itunes.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewSoftware?id=293622097&mt=8')]

Article Link: Google Earth iOS App Updated With Flyover-Like 3D Views and 64-Bit Support ('https://www.macrumors.com/2017/08/02/google-earth-ios-app-64-bit-support/')
[doublepost=1501693543][/doublepost]The iOS version is badly flawed - every word has a small 'k' in front of it and it looks like coders placeholders instead of proper menu items!

Is this the alpha version? Can't believe no-one spotted this before release! A bug fix version coming in 1 .. 2 .. 3 ..



Attachment Image
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
121 months ago
Guess we're going to see a last minute 64-bit rush as procrastinating devs look at the calendar and say "Oh ****!"
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
CarlJ Avatar
121 months ago
First thing I noticed the first time running it. How the hell did it get in the app store with this issue I'll never know.
Google evidently used the same engineer who, until a couple days ago, was in charge of posting Apple's HomePod software for internal use only.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
121 months ago
Awesome, I thought Google had abandoned this app.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
MacsRgr8 Avatar
121 months ago
Cool, now also for macOS please..!

EDIT: Just released!
Version 7.3 now 64 bits
https://www.google.com/earth/download/gep/agree.html
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Radeon85 Avatar
121 months ago
[doublepost=1501693543][/doublepost]The iOS version is badly flawed - every word has a small 'k' in front of it and it looks like coders placeholders instead of proper menu items!

Is this the alpha version? Can't believe no-one spotted this before release! A bug fix version coming in 1 .. 2 .. 3 ..

First thing I noticed the first time running it. How the hell did it get in the app store with this issue I'll never know.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Google maps feaure

Google Maps Updated to Fully Support iPhone Duo Displays

Wednesday November 4, 2026 4:24 am PST by
Google Maps has been updated with improved support for the iPhone Duo's displays, so that the app now fills the foldable iPhone's inner and outer screens rather than leaving unused space along the edge. The change comes with version 26.44.4, which is available on the App Store. Google doesn't mention Duo-specific changes in its release notes, but the updated support is plainly visible....
General App Store South Korea Feature Feature

South Korea Rules Against Apple Over App Store Payment Rules

Wednesday October 28, 2026 9:00 am PDT by
South Korea has fined Apple 20.8 billion won ($15.5 million) and ordered it to let developers link to external payment options from their apps, The Associated Press reports. The Korea Media and Communications Commission found that Apple and Google effectively require developers to use their payment systems, violating a 2021 law intended to allow alternatives. Google was fined 42.9 billion...
Google Gemini Apple CarPlay

Google Says Gemini App Rolling Out on Apple CarPlay Starting Today

Wednesday November 11, 2026 11:50 am PST by
Google has announced that a dedicated Gemini app on Apple CarPlay is rolling out around the world in several languages starting today, allowing you to have conversations with the AI assistant right from your vehicle's dashboard. Gemini conversations on your iPhone automatically sync to CarPlay, so you can continue a previous conversation or start a new one. For example, you can ask Gemini ...
Latest Stories
Apple on Fatal Vehicle Crash Near Apple Park: 'Our Hearts Are Broken'
Apple on Fatal Vehicle Crash Near Apple Park: 'Our Hearts Are Broken'
20 minutes ago
Apple Invites App Updated With Two New Features
Apple Invites App Updated With Two New Features
57 minutes ago
Google Says Gemini App Rolling Out on Apple CarPlay Starting Today
Google Says Gemini App Rolling Out on Apple CarPlay Starting Today
2 hours ago
Is It Worth Buying a Ceramic Apple Watch?
Is It Worth Buying a Ceramic Apple Watch?
5 hours ago
Samsung Early Black Friday Event Brings Major Sales to Frame TVs and More
Samsung Early Black Friday Event Brings Major Sales to Frame TVs and More
6 hours ago
iPhone 18 Pro Max Wins Battery Test Involving 32 Smartphones
iPhone 18 Pro Max Wins Battery Test Involving 32 Smartphones
7 hours ago
AirTag 2 4-Pack Hits Record Low $69.99 Price Ahead of Black Friday
AirTag 2 4-Pack Hits Record Low $69.99 Price Ahead of Black Friday
8 hours ago
Rumored Apple Smart Glasses Mentioned in Supplier's Earnings Briefing
Rumored Apple Smart Glasses Mentioned in Supplier's Earnings Briefing
8 hours ago
Make Apple Watch Listen for Sounds Like the Doorbell
Make Apple Watch Listen for Sounds Like the Doorbell
12 hours ago
Apple Chip Supplier TSMC Approves $1 Billion AI Investment
Apple Chip Supplier TSMC Approves $1 Billion AI Investment
12 hours ago
'Apple Support Community' Permanently Closing on November 20
'Apple Support Community' Permanently Closing on November 20
18 hours ago
Apple's Holiday Gift Guide Highlights iPhone Duo and More
Apple's Holiday Gift Guide Highlights iPhone Duo and More
21 hours ago
Three Workers Die at Tata iPhone Parts Plant in India
Three Workers Die at Tata iPhone Parts Plant in India
21 hours ago
iCloud Mail, Calendar, Contacts and More Experiencing Outage [Updated]
iCloud Mail, Calendar, Contacts and More Experiencing Outage [Updated]
22 hours ago
Apple's Claris Testing 'Harbor' App for Local AI on Macs
Apple's Claris Testing 'Harbor' App for Local AI on Macs
22 hours ago
iFixit's PROLED MacBook Pro Teardown Reveals Logo LEDs
iFixit's PROLED MacBook Pro Teardown Reveals Logo LEDs
1 day ago
10 Free iPhone Duo Apps Worth Downloading
10 Free iPhone Duo Apps Worth Downloading
1 day ago
Apple Releases New AirPods Firmware
Apple Releases New AirPods Firmware
1 day ago
Amazon Begins Early Black Friday Sale, Featuring Sitewide Discounts on Tech and Decor
Amazon Begins Early Black Friday Sale, Featuring Sitewide Discounts on Tech and Decor
1 day ago
Apple Announces Swift Student Challenge Ahead of WWDC 2027
Apple Announces Swift Student Challenge Ahead of WWDC 2027
1 day ago
Next iPad Air Likely to Have These 10 New Features
Next iPad Air Likely to Have These 10 New Features
1 day ago
iPad Mini 2021 vs. 2026 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
iPad Mini 2021 vs. 2026 Buyer's Guide: Is It Worth Upgrading?
1 day ago
New Apple TV Sign Language Feature Announced
New Apple TV Sign Language Feature Announced
1 day ago
Disable Touch on MacBook Pro PROLED XDR and When Using Sidecar
Disable Touch on MacBook Pro PROLED XDR and When Using Sidecar
1 day ago
Anker's Early Black Friday Sale Surprises With Mystery Boxes and Big Discounts
Anker's Early Black Friday Sale Surprises With Mystery Boxes and Big Discounts
1 day ago
Apple Arcade Adding These Four Games in December
Apple Arcade Adding These Four Games in December
1 day ago
OLED iPad Air Rumored to Launch in Two Sizes in Early 2027
OLED iPad Air Rumored to Launch in Two Sizes in Early 2027
1 day ago
The Original iPod Went on Sale 25 Years Ago Today
The Original iPod Went on Sale 25 Years Ago Today
1 day ago
Apple Maps Could Factor Parking Into Your Arrival Time
Apple Maps Could Factor Parking Into Your Arrival Time
1 day ago
Waze Now Alerts Drivers to Nearby Cyclists Using Garmin LiveTrack
Waze Now Alerts Drivers to Nearby Cyclists Using Garmin LiveTrack
1 day ago