How to set Google Maps as default map application in iOS 9

I have been using an iPhone since they were first released in 2007. I can assure you that Google maps was around long before Apple maps, and was the ONLY map app for the first few years- then Apple maps came out, but was a dismal failure so Apple offered the ability to choose, then they removed that ability unless you had a workaround (see above) and since iOS 9 (I believe) have removed all ability to choose your map app.

I don't know what "level 9" means, and what your 63,147 points will buy you, but learn not to make a statement of fact unless you actually have the facts to back it up.

RetiredArmyRANGER wrote:

Here is a tip for you Apple. In the next version of iOS - dump Apple maps or at least give your users an option to globally set Google maps as an option.

Apple is not here. If it's important to you that Apple know how you feel, use the feedback page:

http://www.apple.com/feedback.

In the past, when I could choose my map app, I could add an address to my calendar, or someone could email me an address, and I could simply touch it to bring up a Google map- no fumbling required. That is no longer the case, as I have no option to make Google maps the default. Now I have to copy adn paste the address into Google maps, which I do, because the Apple app is still execrable.

The fumbling is entirely caused by Apple's (justifiable) lack of confidence in its own system. If they thought their system was any good they would be willing to compete.

ChrisPhilips wrote:

In the past, when I could choose my map app, I could add an address to my calendar, or someone could email me an address, and I could simply touch it to bring up a Google map- no fumbling required. That is no longer the case,

It has never been the case that you could change the iOS default mapping application. There are some apps (including, for example, Gmail) that allow you to change the default mapping app for that app only. Perhaps you had that set up before. Check the settings for the whatever email application you're using.

You are mistaken:

Here’s How to make iOS 8 use third-party map apps on your iPhone or iPad

1. On your iOS device tap on any address to make the operating system launch Apple maps app. You can use the following address as well. If it doesn’t work in Safari then copy and paste it in Notes app and try again.

Apple

1 Infinite Loop

Cupertino, CA 95014

408.996.1010

2. When in Apple Maps tap on the ‘Car’ icon to tell the app to start routing.

3. Now on your screen you will see three tabs. One of them should be for ‘Apps’, tap on it.

4. From the list of apps select the Maps application you want to use instead of Apple Maps. Simply tap on the Route button located next to it. On this screen you will also get a list of related apps that are available in the App Store.

Once you are done with the steps above your iPhone or iPad will always launch Google Maps or the app you chose whenever you will tap on an address.

ChrisPhilips wrote:

You are mistaken:

Here’s How to make iOS 8 use third-party map apps on your iPhone or iPad

1. On your iOS device tap on any address to make the operating system launch Apple maps app. You can use the following address as well. If it doesn’t work in Safari then copy and paste it in Notes app and try again.

Apple

1 Infinite Loop

Cupertino, CA 95014

408.996.1010

2. When in Apple Maps tap on the ‘Car’ icon to tell the app to start routing.

3. Now on your screen you will see three tabs. One of them should be for ‘Apps’, tap on it.

4. From the list of apps select the Maps application you want to use instead of Apple Maps. Simply tap on the Route button located next to it. On this screen you will also get a list of related apps that are available in the App Store.

Once you are done with the steps above your iPhone or iPad will always launch Google Maps or the app you chose whenever you will tap on an address.

I have no idea where you got those directions. However, the only external app you were ever able to chose was one for transit directions. Now that transit information is part of Maps, that's not an option, either.

ChrisPhilips wrote:

I have been using an iPhone since they were first released in 2007. I can assure you that Google maps was around long before Apple maps, and was the ONLY map app for the first few years- then Apple maps came out, but was a dismal failure so Apple offered the ability to choose,

No, they never offered the ability to change the default app, whether the Map application use the Google Map base or Apple's own. While I understand you want something different, it is not now and never has been possible.

Best of luck.

You honestly don't know what you're talking about. I just gave you a simple but accurate history of the iPhone iOS mapping ability, and you're in complete denial.

From Wikipedia:

Apple Maps is a web mapping service developed by Apple Inc. It is the default map system of iOS, macOS, and watchOS. It provides directions and estimated times of arrival for automobile, pedestrian, and public transportation navigation. Apple Maps also features the unique 'Flyovers' mode, a feature that enables a user to explore densely populated urban centers in a 3D landscape composed of models of buildings and structures.

On September 19, 2012, Apple released its mapping service in iOS, replacing Google Maps as the default mapping service for Apple operating systems. In the initial launch, it received large amounts of criticism from users and newspapers for incorrect directions, a lack of support for public transportation users and various other bugs and errors. Since its introduction, further software development has addressed many of those criticisms.

Agreed 100%. Every now and then I try a simple route to see if anything has changed in apple maps. NOPE. Google Maps has earned my trust and NEVER steered me in the wrong direction. Additionally, the traffic re-routing has saved me hundreds of hours!

Here is a tip for you Apple. In the next version of iOS - dump Apple maps or at least give your users an option to globally set Google maps as an option. URGH!

RetiredArmyRANGER

Huh?

"Apple is not here" --- Makes absolutely no sense since the discussion is apple. More corporate confusion I guess. Thanks I already submitted the feedback using the link provided.

Drive on! (Without using Apple Maps) 🙂

WHDSM

RetiredArmyRANGER wrote:

Huh?

"Apple is not here" --- Makes absolutely no sense since the discussion is apple. More corporate confusion I guess. \

It only makes no sense if you failed to read the TOU when you signed up. The only Apple employees who participate here are then Hosts, who make sure order is maintained and the Community Specialists who answer a very narrow subset of questions (ones that can be answered with a reference to a support article) that have gone unanswered by the community. But no one from Apple is reading each and every post. Even the Hosts depend on the community to flag posts that may need their attention.

I'm glad to hear you submitted feedback where Apple will actually read it.

Best of luck.

Go to your app store. Put in a search for Google Now. You will find something with a big G that says, "Google-Search made just for mobile."

Get it, load it up. It comes up with a Google icon, put it in the front of your phone. Click it. It comes up with the Google page with a microphone. Grant it access to the microphone, and then say, "Ok Google, navigate me to..." It will come up with Google maps, voila. Basically you bypass Siri. Hope this helps:)

Sadly, I am forced to use an iPhone for work. Apple has been my choice for decades for computers and laptops, but the utter inconvenience of my iPhone, after enjoying a Galaxy is hard to express. I was excited to get an iPad, alas, it also is very fragile and refuses to let me use my defaults. In northwestern MI, Apple does not seem to have a good sense of the local geography. It is a bit nerve wracking. I hope my company goes to Android just for this reason alone.

You're right, I'm sorry....probably shouldn't have put that, but I found it funny at the time. I've been looking for the answer to this. I'm deep into the Apple ecosystem and every new iOS update I pray Maps will get better. I want it to work as well as Google Maps so bad, but unfortunately in my experience with the app it has taken me to wrong locations and I feel the navigation in Google Maps are much better.

So until Maps get to the point where it works just as well as Google Maps, I'm going to use Google's instead. But again...I'm rooting for Apple to get it done right.

Understand, that all is objective. I've done a number of tests of mapping software. I've set up Apple Maps, Google Maps, a Garmin GPS, and the navigation software in my vehicle all at the same time. I had someone else in the passenger seat of the car to watch them all, since I was driving. I will tell you that in a number of situations I received 4 different sets of directions to the same place. I received a location not found before in Google, the same with Apple, Garmin and my vehicle. Considering the work that I have done, I would not say that anything is perfect, and it all depends on the quality of the GIS data received by the app. I use Apple a lot, and with my work, needed to understand mapping a lot more than your standard user. I will tell you also that Google is not the end all of great mapping. It has mistakes as well, and I saw my Apple maps out perform it for some locations. The information we use to search can also lead to issues. With what I know, I would never say that one is better than the other, and that Apple maps are no good. Each person has their own opinion, but remember, that is what it is, and it can be subjective, based on experience. Good luck with your navigation.