Apple has added turn-by-turn navigation to Apple Maps for India. The app now offers the detailed directions for driving and walking, with options to book a ride through Uber and Ola also showing within the app.
Still missing for users in India is public transit information, lane guidance and speed limits, although given that the addition of turn-by-turn directions is part of an ongoing improvement to Apple Maps, these are likely to follow.
Rival Google Maps has been the de facto navigation app in India for some time, thanks to its driving, walking, and public transport modes. Users of the app have also benefited from the development of region-specific special features like "two-wheeler" mode which provides motorcycle and scooter users with shortcuts across cities.
By contrast, Apple's navigational contributions in the country have come in for some criticism, with some users calling out the app's sparse data for a number of cities and towns, including missing landmarks.
The introduction of turn-by-turn directions comes nearly three years after Apple announced the opening of a Hyderabad-based development center focused on improving Apple Maps in India.
(Thanks, Ram!)
Top Rated Comments
Apple Maps wins hands down for privacy (remember Google is storing everywhere you drive, walk, etc., and adding that to your "universal identifier" file.). Apple also has a nicer interface, is usually more accurate in time estimations, etc., and has better transit directions.
Google is still a bit better for searching for places, has Street View (Apple is getting ready to roll out their version which hopefully will be much better than the clunky version GM has), and bicycle directions, which is useful in some cities.