Apple to Comply with European Act, Offering Users Google Maps as an Option

After Apple released its Detailed City Experience (DCE) on Apple Maps, the choice between Google Maps and Apple Maps became difficult.

Apple plans to make this switch easier and more convenient, not by choice, but because of the European Digital Market Act.

When it comes to choosing between Apple Maps and Google Maps, users switch between apps depending on the preference of app interface, map availability in the given region and even just personal preference.

As per the new European regulations enforced by the Digital Markets Act, Apple has to give the user the option to change the default navigation app on their iPhone or any other Apple device. Currently, the default navigation app for Apple devices is Apple Maps.

Apple already has options to change the default apps for multiple other systems. When the feature is rolled out to users, they will be able to choose between multiple navigation apps that can be used as the default navigation app like Google Maps, Waze, HERE WeGo, or Magic Earth.

After the feature is released, users will not have to experience the choosing of maps when opening directions or will not be redirected to Apple maps if the default navigation app has been changed.

Apple is also working to improve its default navigation app and trying to prevent users from switching over to another app. For instance, with IOS 17.4 Apple Maps was updated with turn-by-turn navigation that works with Apple carplay.

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Google Maps has a much more established navigation system set up here in India when compared to any other map apps, including Apple Maps and is also the most widely used by companies like Uber, Ola, Swiggy and many others.

It is a big step for Apple allowing users to use an app of their choice for navigation. This may also increase sales of iPhones as users will not be as restricted when it comes to usage.