Apple’s Maps app, introduced as part of iOS 6 in 2012, has had its fair share of technical issues and was the source of a PR crisis and the ejection of multiple long-time Apple executives. But two years later, if data from UK carrier EE is any indication, Apple Maps usage appears to be on an upward trend. Here’s the latest usage data for Apple Maps from the network:
Traffic on the new Apple Maps now represents 70% of mapping traffic on the 4G network, from 60% in the second half of 2013, taking market share from Google maps, which is down 7ppts. This difference is even more marked over 3G where Apple Maps is up 19ppts and Google Maps is down 15ppts.
ComScore, a reputable data analytics reporting firm, also has recently issued some numbers related to Apple Maps. According to an August 6th report, Apple Maps is the 11th most used smartphone app across iOS and Android with a reach of 26.2%. Keep in mind that Apple Maps is exclusive to iOS and these numbers include apps also available on Android. Analyst Jan Dawson took the time to calculate what this likely means in terms the iOS-only ecosystem and compares these numbers to past ComScore reports:
As can be seen, there is a bit of a downward slope on usage, but the graph is mostly steady over the past several months. For those interested, a June 2013 Citrix report shows some (now outdated) data on Apple Maps vs. Google Maps usage based on regions:
As we first reported, Apple has been working on major enhancements for its Maps app, including an updated version with transit directions, indoor mapping functionality, and much-improved data. Combined with the new app’s future launch and the tens of millions of new iPhones Apple will sell this fall with Apple Maps pre-installed, it should not be surprising if Apple Maps usage numbers skyrocket in 2015.
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Perhaps in the UK the Google Maps app on iOS is more efficient at displaying maps than Apple Maps – these figures are measuring total amount of data transferred across the network, not number of searches or time spent in each app.
@Alex4D
Couple of points. First, most people with iOS devices don’t bother to install Google maps and just use Apple maps, even though Google maps is better. Second, I expect the majority of data is consumed due to navigation directions. This means even though Google won the maps battle by producing the better service, it was something of a pyrrhic victory, since they are a horizontal company and they have lost a significant number of customers from their service.
While the few complain, the majority just use.
As always.
This article will surprise the people who get their perception of Apple Maps from various blogs.
Android users can only use google maps.
iOS users can use either Apple maps or Google maps or both.
Just a thought there.
Google Maps and other Google apps don’t work on iOS 8 Beta 5, and since lots of iOS users already use iOS 8 Beta I think they find themselves forced to use Apple Maps instead of Google Maps. I usually use Apple Maps regardless and have been enjoying the improvements :)
Explain your theory that “lots of iOS users are already using iOS 8” because no one should be using iOS 8 on a primary device, so where is this idea that “lots” are using it?
All my Google apps work on IOS 8 beta 5. However I use Apple maps and have for a long time. Keep up the improvements Apple.
By lots of users, he means roughly nobody compared to the number of total iOS users.
Further proof that Google used CIA map technology on day one. Apple with billions can’t “buy” a replacement. Google has never had map problems to speak of. All tools of Google are merely declassified tech for the masses to win over loyalty to an intelligence agency controlled apparatus.
I think you mean further proof that Google maps took advantage of iPhone/iOS users from day one and their input and corrections that by sheer number helped Google clean up its maps program. Fact, not fiction. We knew this would be an issue for Apple maps starting new having given Google so many years free of iOS users input. Now Apple gets to use that input for itself. Time will sort it out. In the end the winner is the end user. This is not a popularity contest it is a window of what the future will hold for all of us. Hopefully your comment was not aimed at popularity contests as these usually end in stalemate. Look at Samsung!
You don’t know what the heck you’re talking about. Many other people have posted that Google Maps had very similar problems in the past (and continues to have some problems).
The data of the graph have 1 Year.
Since June, 2013 market shares declined for Apple in the USA…….
We’re number 11!
We’re number 11!
We’re number 11!
Forgot the quotations marks.
I don’t use Apple Maps so I’m not part of the group cheering for number 11.
I tried Apple Maps when I used iPhone. One of the reasons I switched to Samsung.
Yea because apple maps is the only map on iPhone.
And he was obviously being sarcastic..
*shakes head*
Really? Explain to us how a single Application could sway your clearly thought through process for changing from iOS to Android?
PS: Did you read the part which said that this was across BOTH iOS and Android, or did you conviently miss that part of the article??
Apple maps sucks in South America. It just doesn’t work… I prefer Google Maps
Apple Maps is actually better than Google Maps in and around Manchester in the UK. That and it has the obvious advantages of integrating with everything else in iOS and more recently OS X.