Apple Maps has received many complaints from users in the past for guiding them down dangerous routes. According to Business Insider , the company fired the executive who oversaw Apple Maps and CEO Tim Cook personally apologized.

Over the past 10 years, Apple has added a host of new features like public transit directions and allowing users to display apps on their car dashboards.

New York-based aviation analyst Jason Rabinowitz said he switched to Android because of frustration with the first version of Apple Maps, which made it easier to access Google Maps. However, he returned to iPhone and Apple Maps after the company updated its public transit features. Rabinowitz found Apple Maps to be more visually appealing and provide faster and more convenient public transit directions than Google Maps. Apple's app also accounts for traffic disruptions like subway power outages better than its competitors.

Tom's Guide smartphone news editor Tom Pritchard said Apple Maps has a simple interface and clean map design, while Google Maps is better suited for people who want to use their personal data to choose what information is displayed.

In the iOS 16 update, Apple's Maps app lets users plan multi-stop trips, view public transit fares, and navigate areas using a street view option.

In January 2023, Apple Maps updated with the ability to make restaurant reservations and find deals at nearby stores, a sign that the iPhone maker wants Apple Maps to be more than just a simple mapping app. In iOS 17, released in September, users can search for electric car charging stations along their route and download maps to view without cell service.