Google has finally released its Google maps App to the iPhone crowd that is on iOS 6. So far, the reaction from users is pretty solid. We take a look at why it is worth downloading and using Google maps on your iPhone.

Possibly the Best Free Maps App

Google Maps for iPhone is possibly the best free maps App you can get on the iPhone. With all the trouble the Apple built-in maps App has had, you can now avoid the problem entirely by going with Google maps. The maps load quickly and it is really easy to search for an address or a business.

Public Transit Support

Another awesome feature of Google maps is that it allows you to get directions via public transportation. This is really helpful for anyone living in a city with a public transit system. Also, this feature comes in handy when traveling to other cities. This is a huge step-up from the Built-in iPhone maps app which does not include this at all.

Turn-by-turn directions

Google maps for iOS 6 offers turn-by-turn directions for drivers or walkers as well. After giving this feature a quick test, I can attest that it worked well. The voice commands were loud and easy to understand. The map was also very easy to follow. One other cool thing is that the Google maps App would let you know if you had the chance to run into any major traffic on the way.

Satellite and Street View

The satellite and street view are 2 features that are cool, but are also 2 that I would rarely use. Either way, it is nice to have them offered as part of the App.

Downsides

As great as this app is, there are a few things I would like to see added. First, I would like to see a solid “offline” mode added. This can be found on a regular Android, but this is not to be found on this App. I do want to point out that Apple’s maps offline mode is lacking as well though. Second, I would like to see Google turn off “location data collection by default”. For many people, this won’t be a big deal. However, I don’t like when Apps use my data for tracking. Luckily, this is pretty easy to turn off. You can turn this off by going to “Terms & Privacy” -> “Location Data Collection” and then turning the setting to off.

All in all, this is a great maps app for the iPhone, and if you’re lucky, you will have the opportunity to make a profit from this software, granted that you have checked out something like this chad kimball google maps course to help you on your way. So, at this point in time, I would recommend this App over the built-in Apple maps app.