Google Maps
The map that tracks everywhere you've ever been
⚠️ The privacy case
With Location History enabled, Google records everywhere you go with timestamps — every commute, every doctor's appointment, every late-night errand. This data is stored indefinitely and has been used in criminal investigations, including via "geofence warrants" where law enforcement requests records of all devices near a specific location at a specific time. In 2023, the FTC ordered Google to delete location data it had improperly collected and retained. Even with Location History disabled, Google Maps still logs your location via Web & App Activity while you're using the app. The gap between "off" and "actually off" is significant.
What it is
Google Maps is the world's dominant navigation and local search platform with over 1 billion monthly users. It covers navigation, public transit, business listings with reviews and hours, Street View, indoor maps, and real-time traffic. Google Maps is also one of the most comprehensive location tracking systems ever deployed at consumer scale.
What you lose
- Google's business data (hours, reviews, photos) which is genuinely the most comprehensive
- Real-time traffic accuracy (Google has the largest fleet tracking data set)
- Street View
- Transit directions in some cities
- Local search integration with Google Search results
Honest assessment
Apple Maps has closed the gap significantly since its rocky 2012 launch and is now excellent for navigation in the US, Canada, UK, and Western Europe. The business listing data (hours, reviews, busy times) is still better in Google Maps, but Apple Maps is close enough for daily navigation. The migration is lower-friction than most people expect — try it for a week and you'll likely find you don't miss Google Maps for most uses.
Alternatives
- Apple Maps — Privacy-first navigation. On-device processing wherever possible. No persistent location history sent to Apple. Excellent navigation in US, Canada, UK, Europe, and Australia. Includes walking, cycling, transit, and driving. Look Around (Street View equivalent). Guides for curated local recommendations. Best choice for iPhone users.
- OsmAnd Free; OsmAnd+ is $9.99 one-time or free on F-Droid — Open-source, fully offline maps based on OpenStreetMap. No internet required after download. No data collection. Detailed maps including hiking trails, topography, and nautical charts. More features than most navigation apps, with a steeper learning curve. Best for users who want complete offline capability.
- Organic Maps — Free, open-source, beautifully designed offline maps. Based on OpenStreetMap. No tracking, no ads, no accounts required. Excellent for hiking, cycling, and travel. Simpler interface than OsmAnd. Ideal for international travel without roaming.
- HERE WeGo — Professional-grade navigation from HERE Technologies (Nokia spinoff, now independent). Excellent offline maps. Less surveillance than Google. Good transit coverage. Free for personal use.
- Waze — Acquired by Google in 2013 — so not a Google exit option, but useful to know. Stays in this list for accuracy: Waze is not an alternative to Google Maps.
Migration steps
- On iPhone, open Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → Google Maps → set to Never
- Set Apple Maps as your default (iOS 14+ supports this in Settings → Default Apps)
- Use Apple Maps for 1 week for your normal commute and local navigation
- For travel, download Organic Maps before you go (offline maps, no roaming needed)
- Delete your Google Maps Location History and Timeline at myaccount.google.com/maps/yourdata
- Turn off Location History in Google account settings