Does Apple Maps' new feature put it on par with Google Maps?

Many people have been using Google Maps for years, even though they're iOS users. But as Apple rolls out new features that make finding destinations easier, let's put the two apps to the test to see which is actually better.

Changes in Apple Maps

On May 14, Apple introduced expert ratings for places in Apple Maps. The feature makes it easier to find Michelin Key hotels and Michelin, Bib Gourmand, and Green Star restaurants within the app. This is the first phase of the rollout, and Apple says insights from The Infatuation and Golf Digest will be available soon.

As part of this update, users can now look up some of the best places to eat and stay directly through Apple Maps. It's also pretty easy to use. If you want to find a Michelin-starred restaurant nearby, type "restaurants" into the search bar and scroll through the search filters below the search bar. Select Michelin Distinctions from the options and you can look up restaurants with one, two, or three Michelin stars, Bib Gourmand, or Green Star.

The feature works similarly for hotels. You can type 'hotels' into the search bar and select Michelin Distinction to filter your options accordingly. Golfers will also benefit from this update in the future, being able to explore and select their favorite courses based on expert insights.

Check Apple Maps

For a long time, Apple Maps lagged significantly behind Google Maps. Despite its iOS integration and better aesthetics, Google Maps often fell short in practical use, especially when trying to find a new destination. Google Maps definitely had the edge, with its extensive list of business listings and user-generated reviews, making it easier to get an idea of ​​what to expect from a location.

Meanwhile, Apple Maps only shows Yelp reviews for the longest time. And even then, you can preview those reviews. If you want more details, you'll be redirected to Yelp. If you don't have the Yelp app, you'll have to download it. With Google Maps, you never have to leave the app to get the full picture. This is one of the main reasons why many people never switch from Google Maps to Apple Maps.

But Apple clearly wants to change that. Over the past few years, the company has been quietly rolling out features that bridge the gap. Partnerships with Michelin Guides, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest are the company's latest moves to turn Apple Maps into more than just a navigation tool. Of course, this update is only useful if you're looking for fancy places to eat, but it's a step in the right direction toward making Apple Maps the go-to app for discovering local places.

When this update came out, many people reinstalled Apple Maps without much expectation. But they were surprised to find that it has caught up to Google Maps, almost to the point where you might find yourself using it full-time. Finding Michelin-starred restaurants is as easy as Apple promised. After a quick search and selecting the right filters, you can scroll through your options. Restaurants in the Michelin Guide come with a short introduction that gives you an idea of ​​what to expect from the restaurant in terms of the best dishes and general atmosphere.

Michelin Key-rated hotels are easy to find using search filters, and each listing has an introduction highlighting the location's history and features. You can also book a room at one of these locations directly through the Michelin Guide, right from the Apple Maps interface. We're not sure if you should use the Michelin Guide instead of platforms like Booking.com or TripAdvisor to book a hotel, but the integration is useful for travelers looking for high-end accommodations.

Compare with Google Maps

Despite being part of the iOS ecosystem, many people still use Google Maps all the time. While the navigation experience between the two apps is now largely equal, Google still does a better job of discovering new places. Of course, if you just want to find the best fancy restaurant or hotel in your city, integrating Apple Maps with Michelin Guides can be useful.

But beyond that, not much has changed for the average user. Google still dominates when it comes to helping you discover hidden gems and cheap eateries around you.

So while Google Maps will continue to be the navigation app that many people use, at least for the foreseeable future, it's exciting to see how Apple Maps evolves from here. Hopefully it starts incorporating more in-app information for regular restaurants and hotels soon!

Lesley Montoya

Update 26 May 2025