Who Owns Apple Maps?

Apple Maps launched on September 19, 2012, as part of iOS 6. The launch was widely criticized for incomplete data, misplaced landmarks, and missing features compared to Google Maps, which had been the default iOS mapping app since the original iPhone in 2007. CEO Tim Cook issued a public apology, recommending alternative mapping apps while Apple improved the service. Scott Forstall, then senior vice president of iOS Software, was reported to have refused to sign the apology letter and left Apple shortly thereafter.

Despite the rocky start, Apple committed substantial resources to improving Apple Maps. In 2015, the company began deploying its own fleet of data collection vehicles, later confirmed to be gathering data for the Look Around feature. Apple also acquired several mapping and location companies, including HopStop (transit directions, 2013), BroadMap (mapping technology, 2013), Embark (transit apps, 2013), and Coherent Navigation (GPS technology, 2015).

In 2018, Apple Maps was rebuilt from the ground up using Apple's own mapping data rather than relying primarily on third-party providers like TomTom. The rebuild began in the United States and expanded globally, providing more detailed road networks, pedestrian paths, land cover, and building footprints. By 2020, the rebuilt maps covered the United States, and by 2021, the expansion reached additional countries including the United Kingdom, Ireland, and Canada.

Look Around, Apple's street-level imagery feature comparable to Google Street View, launched in 2019 with iOS 13. It initially covered select cities in the United States and has since expanded to numerous countries. Cycling directions were introduced in 2020 with iOS 14, initially limited to a few cities but gradually expanding. The cycling feature includes bike lanes, bike-friendly roads, and elevation alerts.

In 2021, Apple introduced highly detailed 3D city maps for select major cities, including San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, and London, with more cities added in subsequent updates. These detailed maps include custom-designed landmarks, road markings, vegetation, and water features.

In 2022, Apple added multi-stop routing, allowing users to add up to 15 stops on a single trip. Transit directions were expanded to include detailed station maps and departure times. In 2023, Apple introduced offline maps, allowing users to download map data for use without an internet connection, a feature that had been available on competitors for years.

By 2024, Apple Maps had improved significantly from its troubled launch, earning recognition from technology reviewers as a viable alternative to Google Maps for many use cases. PCMag recommended Apple Maps for iPhone users in its 2026 navigation apps guide, noting improvements in accuracy and features.

In 2025 and 2026, Apple continued to expand detailed city maps to additional regions, improved transit integration, and enhanced Siri integration for natural language navigation commands. Apple Maps also deepened its CarPlay integration, providing more detailed instrument cluster displays and electric vehicle routing with charging station integration.