Apple Maps, once a laughingstock, now dominates iPhones

Many people who bought iPhones soon found out that they were better off using Alphabet Inc (NASDAQ:GOOG), (NASDAQ:GOOGL) Google Maps than Apple Maps.

This week, a story from the Boston Globe reports that, according to Apple, Maps is used more than three times more than Google Maps on iOS devices. Specifically, each week are made over 5 billion searches related to different locations or routes.

Tim Cook is forced to apologise for the bungled launch of Apple Maps.

In this photo taken Friday, Dec. 4, 2015, the Apple Maps app displays transit directions in San Francisco.

When Maps originally released and Google Maps was removed from the pre-installed list, thousands cried out for Google to release a standalone Maps app for iOS.

Even though Google Maps is also far from being flawless, the way Apple has improved its Maps service is laudable.

Since then, Apple has invested heavily in the service, acquiring mapping companies like Coherent Navigation, and sending fleets of mapping vehicles to more places. Apple reportedly gets much of its data for information, traffic, and business listings from over 3,000 sources, according to the Associated Press.

Also in Apple’s favor is the fact that Apple Maps enjoys certain advantages over its Google rival inside iOS.

The once-lost mapping service launched to a critical panning back in 2012, when it was mocked for its wildly inaccurate cartography and light feature set.

Apple knows that, inherently, most smartphone users are lazy. That feature went live on Apple Maps in September, narrowing a major feature gap with Google Maps. For example, Siri will give directions in Apple Maps, as will a host of apps from both Apple and third parties. Oh, and to fire the iOS 6 Maps executive responsible for the mess. If Maps did not come built-in on iPhones and iPads, Apple “would not be in the position they are in”, IDC analyst John Jackson told the agency.