Google Maps

Category
Navigation

Description of App

The Google Maps app for iPhone and iPad makes navigating your world faster and easier. Find the best spots in town and the information you need to get
there.

• Comprehensive, accurate maps in 220 countries and territories
• Voice-guided GPS navigation for driving, biking, and walking
• Transit directions and maps for over 2,800 cities
• Live traffic conditions, incident reports, and automatic rerouting to find the best route
• Detailed information on more than 100 million places
• Street View and indoor imagery for restaurants, museums, and more

* Some features not available in all countries
 

Version

3.0.1

Free or Paid

Free

Apple Watch Support

Not Known

Device(s) App Was Tested On

iPhone

iOS Version

9

Accessibility Comments

There are some accessibility options with in the Transit route options. Other than this issue it is fairly accessible else where.

VoiceOver Performance

VoiceOver reads most page elements.

Button Labeling

All buttons are clearly labeled.

Usability

There are some minor accessibility issues with this app, but they are easy to deal with.

Other Comments

as of 3.0.0 and 3.0.1. Please read below with in the Comment section below.To see the exact problem with the accessibility

App Store Link

https://itunes.apple.com/app/id585027354

Developer's Website

http://support.google.com/gmm/bin/topic.py?hl=en&topic=1616943&p=maps_ios_store

Developer's Twitter Username

@googleaccess

Recommendations

11 people have recommended this app

Most recently recommended by Victor Tsaran 1 year 11 months ago

Options

Comments

By Victor Tsaran on Sunday, December 23, 2012 - 11:53

Overall, the Maps app is really good; remember this is v1.0. I think Google has down fabulous job! For some reason though I can't get voice guidance to work. Anyone else noticed this?

By paras shah on Sunday, December 23, 2012 - 11:53

The google map is very good. I can not read people's reviews. I can hear there names but can not tell what they have to say for a place. I searched for star bux for example. Thanks

By Neo on Sunday, December 23, 2012 - 11:53

The directions are only spoken in driving mode from what I can tell. Has anyone worked out how to get it to repeat a voice direction? It needs some work to make it fully accessible but compared to other GPS products I've tried including the Nokia Here app, this is good for a first release. I am still confused by the layout though especially when searching for a location. There's a result button that I think you need to doubble tap but I'm not sure how you can tell which search result you've highlighted

hi all, does anyone know how to change the voice back from not announcing street names to announcing street names again?

By Daniel on Sunday, December 23, 2012 - 11:53

I'm sticking with apples built-in maps app for turn-by-turn navigation. Googles app is good, but the interface is way to clunky and cluttered.

I honestly don't know what the problem is for people. Navigation wise, I never had an issue with apple maps and would say that is worked better than navigan when I had it. Many people say that the navigation stinks, but its always gotten me to where I want to go with almost little to no fuss. Google in my opinion has always done its accessibility half way with almost no concern to how it affects its users. On its android phones, Talkback has some accessibility, but not enough to make it really usable, its youtube app has some accessibility, but not enough to actually make you say you'll stick with it. Its search is ok, but only the internet based one and not the app. But back to the original point, apple has a very decent maps app in my opinion and works really well in my opinion. I have no desire to use google right now. Even when it was built into IOS, I never used it, instead focusing on apps like navigan or motionX

Must agree with most of the comments mention above this. The layout is really to be least to be desired. It does work. Remember, there are still many people that do not have the newer devices that allow us to use the Apple Maps. As myself that still have the iPhone 4 I wish I could use the built-in Apple Maps for the Voice Turn-by-Turn feature. Also, many people don't have the funds for those more expensive apps such as the Tom-Tom and Navigon. However, MotionX is still my top choice for the best bang for the buck. After reviewing the app and seeing in what others have experienced. For about 98% of the app it does appear to be acessible. I'm not a big fan of the app but it is so-so. Not horrible but average. We can now only hope that Google will continue with improvements but with their track record. We may not see much in the way of accessibility improvements. So leave any comments here if anyone find something that I might have looked over that would make the options in changing the Accessibility change so that we can correctly reflect that.

By Chuck on Sunday, December 23, 2012 - 11:53

Hi all, I have downloaded the new Google Maps app for iphone and have given it a quick test run. Note: I am not going to give details on how to use this app.... this is best learned by playing with it. Like the Apple maps app spoken directions only work in driving mode. I tried to walk a route in driving mode, but the app took me about a half mile out of the way, opting for more car friendly streets than the most direct route. Many of the buttons are vaguely labeled, but i could figure out what their purpose was. I tried the app while riding in the car. It worked very well, giving options on routes and clear turn by turn directions. The voice in this app is very good. I have sent feedback via the app. Below is what I sent. I downloaded the Google Maps app and I have a few suggestions. I an visually impaired and use the voice over program to navigate the iPhone. The Google maps app does work with the voice over program, and worked well in driving mode. However, the walking mode is basically useless for a visually impaired user, which is ironic, considering that visually impaired users would utilize this feature more than any other demographic.. Giving the walking mode spoken turn by turn directions would be a great help to the visually impaired community. Also, having the buttons more clearly labeled would aid in user friendliness. Another suggestion would be to have the option to have every street spoken as it is walked by. This would give the visually impaired user assurance that they are on track, and also help them "learn" the neighborhood If you are interested in more input from me or other visually impaired iPhone users, do not hesitate to contact me at: cadean...@gmail.com. Thank you, Chuck Dean

By peter on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 - 11:53

I could not figure out either how to get turn by turn navigation to speak a route as you progressed. I am told by my sighted wife that there is a "Start" button in the bottom right corner of the screen. However, when I tap on this button using VoiceOver it says "paging header" and then switches to another page of step by step directions. My sighted wife indicates that this "paging header" button actually contains two elements within it - a "Start" button and a button to switch the page. But the "start" button cannot be seen or activated when using VoiceOver. so, how have others gotten the voice navigation to work? Thanks. --Pete

Hello Peter, Well, Peter. You had been correct all along. I am using an earlier version and it does indeed to work just fine. However, as of v1.1 that was released back in March did have voice over problems. This explains the problem you are having and now that the Google Team are aware of this problem. I have to give them kudos for coming to AppleVis to make us aware of this along with you. Sadly, the v1.1 was released on March 5th. So we have no idea when this will be fixed. In the meantime. I will fix this posting to reflect it does not work. Thanks in making this aware to us.

By peter on Tuesday, April 23, 2013 - 11:53

Perhaps we are using different versions. I just updated mine recently and do not see the Start button as you describe. I can input my Start and Destination. When I get to the screen to select a route, if I click on a desired route I come back to the screen that has the Map at the top and shows my From and To points. However there is no Start button at the top of the page. Only the "pageingheader" button at the bottom right corner. As I said, my sighted wife tells me that this "paging header" button contains two buttons - one for going to a page that gives the route details and another that is the Start button. Unfortunately, when using VoiceOver, this area that contains the two buttons my wife sees only contains a single "paging header" button. When I double click on that, I get the detailed route. Any other suggestions? Thanks. --Pete

By brandon armstrong on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 11:53

hi everyone, I am pleased to announce that google maps has just been updated to version 2.0, and I have tested it on an iphone five. Vo now reads all the page elements, and doesn't jump around and the buttons are clearly labeled now. I am going to use this version to try out indoor navigation in a mall.

By AnonyMouse on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 11:53

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

What's New in Version 2.0

● New design for iPad

● Enhanced navigation including live traffic updates and incident reports

● Explore: A new way to browse and discover popular local places to eat, drink, shop, play and sleep

● Simple 5-star ratings and reviews from friends, plus expert Zagat content 

● Great deals from your favorite brands with Google Offers

● Indoor maps with walking directions for malls, transit stations, airports and more

 

By Krister Ekstrom on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 11:53

I may just be an old, grumpy fart, but i cannot see the accessibility improvements in this app. You can't and have never been able to see the actual maps like in Apple maps and other similar apps and that's what the whole app is built on, that you can actually see a map and navigate with the help of it. I'm probably more stupid than usual, which is quite hard as i'm a bear with a very little brain, but i fail to see the usability of this app if i can't follow the maps. Can i for instance get updates on what street i am on? can i get a text description of routes i'm planning on going`? Don't get me wrong, it's really cool that you can read buttons and such on the screen but if you can't use the info you get in a meaningful way, what's the point? /Krister, confused

Krister, Maps such as the Google Maps, Navigon, Motion-X, Tom-Tom, Garmin, and many more are just not designed for the visually impaired community. It is very accessible in the sense that we can plot a route. Turn on the Navigate and the voice for the turn-by-turn comes on. It was designed to get you from point A to B. Nothing more. It goes well hands and hands with other such apps that can help you out if you need such things along the route. A good example of this would be the BlindSquare. BlindSquare was designed for the visually impaired people such as yourself and it incorporates the Google Maps very well. If you are looking for the entire package in to one app. May I suggest the NEW SeeingEyes GPS that would do everything you have stated? Hope this was of some help! :)

By falcon wings on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 11:53

Hello there Although I don't wander about much. there are a few times however that I need to travel around using busses and such,so what I was wondering,if I were going from point a to b,would this app announce the stops and such or even intersections or streets as they came up or passed by? In this latest update, is the start root button issue fixed? Thankee, Falcon wings

By ilkkapirttimaa on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 11:53

I can confirm that Google Maps 2.0 adds long waited spoken pedestrian turn-by-turn. Navigation can be started from BlindSquare and BlindSquare will announce street crossings, addresses and POI's around you while Google Maps announces route information. If you want to listen how BlindSquare alone works when walking, you can listen this podcast: http://audioboo.fm/boos/1504010-blindsqare-walking-demo In this route there is not lot of places inside selected radius, so it's more about addresses and intersections. Full instruction about BlindSquare can be found here: http://www.applevis.com/podcast/episodes/blindsquare-feature-packed-navigational-tool-blind-ios-users ...and release notes of latest version can be found here: http://audioboo.fm/boos/1497058-blindsqare-news-podcast-1-for-release-1-43 Probably in next week I'll release 1.44 version. It adds support for listening music, podcasts and audio books while using BlindSquare or additional navigation apps.

By Dewald van Deventer on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 11:53

So how does the indoor navigation work? I mean, i know it's only some places it works in, but how do you select that mode?

By AnonyMouse on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 11:53

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team
There are several things to note about the Indoor Maps. Sadly, I don't believe this will be accessible at all. I have not verify this yet. From an article that I have been reading about the Indoor Maps is that they are just a 3D images so that you can roam around via this 3D rendering of the place that participated in this Indoor Map. So in a nut shell it won't work for us. This sounds like so far are for those with vision and go through the maps in a virtual mode. So no of being able to use your fingers to see on the Indoor Maps how it is laid out and such. It is almost like the Google 3D view that you can use to navigate on the turn-by-turn. This is not accessible. So if any one can verify this that would be great. So not trying to a be the party pooper but from in what I've heard. We are out of luck for now.

By Hadi on Tuesday, July 23, 2013 - 11:53

Hello, how does the walking mode work on google maps? could please someone make a potcast of it? I mean, is it even useful? thanks

updated on Aug. 28/ 2013 version 2.2.0 still accessible google maps still gives voice guide and this version works good for iOS7 What's New in Version 2.2.0 ● Share your favorite places with friends via Google+ ● Bug fixes

I'm new to this forum, new to iPhone, and haven't updated the 4s to ios 7. I've downloaded the app, liking it all along. I have a question, does the scrub jesture not work to activate the back button, like in other apps? I also find it difficult to sometimes find the button to return to the previous screen. Any comments or help on this? It's certainly not a show stopper. I was also wondering if this app only works online, or is there a way to have it work with downloaded maps for your country, keeping the exact same features available in the app? I live in South Africa. Thanks for any suggestions.

Updated on Oct 15, 2013 Version 2.3.4 I had played few time but still looks accessible Personally I use google Maps and BlindSquare and both together work fine. Google Maps provide voice guider to get direction on walking driving and many more What's New in Version 2.3.4 ● Faster access to navigation, complete with route and traffic overview ● Tips and Tricks available in the side menu ● Arabic and Hebrew now supported, including voice guidance in navigation, where available ● Bug fixes Support all Language mention below; Languages: English, Arabic, Catalan, Chinese, Croatian, Czech, Danish, Dutch, Finnish, French, German, Greek, Hebrew, Hungarian, Indonesian, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Malay, Norwegian, Polish, Portuguese, Romanian, Russian, Slovak, Spanish, Swedish, Thai, Turkish, Ukrainian, Vietnamese

Updated Nov 01/ 2013 Version 2.4.3 to be honest I haven't updated it and I don't know if is still accessible or it's keep providing voice guide Please report any change on the app still i'm using the last version so hurry go until the update description What's New in Version 2.4.3 ● Improved hotel search results with sponsored rates and booking links ● Quick access to map and upcoming departures in transit directions preview ● Bug fixes

Updated Dec. 11/ 2013 Version 2.5.0 just I donwloaded from iTunes and Sync to my iPhone so still looks accessible and still provide voice Guider navegation. What's New in Version 2.5.0 • Sign in to see your flight, hotel, and restaurant reservations from Gmail • Bug fixes

By AnonyMouse on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

What's New in Version 3.0.0

New features
• Turn-by-turn navigation now gives lane guidance and quick access to route overview
• View travel time, distance, and estimated arrival all at once in navigation mode
• Save offline maps to a custom list for when you're traveling or have a slow connection
• Transit results now display total walking time of your trip and the next scheduled bus or train
• Filter search results for restaurants, bars and hotels by rating, price, opening hours, and more
• Sign in to see your “Places to review” list from recently saved or searched-for places
• If you have the Uber app installed, open it right from Google Maps when comparing route options

Things you’ve been asking for
• Access your iPhone or iPad contacts directly from the Google Maps app
• Tap and hold anywhere on the map to drop a pin, save and share that location
• Search without typing using Google Voice Search
• Scale bar to estimate distances on the map

By Bryan Jones on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

Today someone posted this issue to Google's general accessibility list (accessible at googlegroups dot com).
I am seeing the same issue on an AT&T iPhone 5S running IOS 7.1.1.

Steps to replicate:
1. Double-tap the “Directions” button.
2. Double-tap the “Transit” button.
3. Set starting location as “My location.”
4. Select destination.
The app now presents the list of suggested routes in a format that does not seem accessible to VO.

If I switch to any of my other three options -- Driving, bicycling or walking -- the list of suggested routes does seem accessible to VO.

By Samuel J on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

Thanks for the heads up. I actually use this app mainly for transit directions. So it really helps knowing that that part is inaccessible in this version. I'll be holding off on updating it then.

By Lisa on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

Hello all,
In this latest update of Google Maps it says you can access your iOS contacts. However, I can't seam to figure out how to do this. I'm hoping this can be done with Voice Over. I would like to e able to access my contacts within Google Maps, so I can get directions when I need them. Any help with this is very much appreciated! Thanks.

By Bryan Jones on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

The transit issue in v3.0.0 discussed above persists for me in the 3.0.1 update released today, 14 May 2014.

By Andrew on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

Have you contacted accessibility support at google and made them aware of this issue? This would go along way, and they might be able to kick out a v 3.0.2 update within a matter of days to correct this issue. -Andrew-

By Lisa on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

Hi all,
There is a button within this app that says enter compass mode. When I double tap this button it then says exit compass mode. I can't seam to figure out what this button does. Any info will be appreciated! Thank you.

By Michael Hansen on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Google Maps version 3.1.0 is now available:

"What's New in Version 3.1.0

• Smoother, faster transitions when you move through Street View
• Bug Fixes"

By Unregistered User (not verified) on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

We should be contacting debs as well as accessibility support groups to report accessibility issues and bugs

By Andrew on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

Hello Bryan and others,

Was the transit access break fixed in the latest 3.1 update? -Andrew-

By KE7ZUM on Friday, May 23, 2014 - 11:53

There is no email on the support page for contacting google. I just looked. I will attempt to contact them via their twitter and see what response I get, if any. Their twitter is @googleaccess I believe.

By Bryan Jones on Monday, June 23, 2014 - 11:53

I just had a chance to try the current US version, which is listed as 3.1.0 in the App store and 3.1.2 in Settings/General/Usage on my iPhone 5S running IOS 7.1.1. Transit directions seem to be VO accessible now.

By Michael Hansen on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 11:53

Member of the AppleVis Editorial Team

Google Maps version 3.2.0 is now available.

"What's New in Version 3.2.0

• Search results appear with descriptions right on the map, to help you make choices quickly

• View search results on the map or in a list and easily switch between them
• See your reservations and events from Gmail labeled on the map

• Try the improved Explore, a local guide that shows you different places and activities depending on the location and time of day (available in the coming weeks)"

By Alan W on Wednesday, July 23, 2014 - 11:53

I've seen mention in this thread about the more recent iPhones having built-in turn by turn navigation. My question is, where do you find it? If it's a viable alternative, I'll use that instead of pairing Google Maps with the somewhat pricey Blind Square...no offense to the Developer...because I think $30 is a bit high. Yes, it could be worse, but still...anyway, I digress. My point is, I would like to try the built-in Apple Maps if possible. I just don't know where to find the app.

By Kelly on Sunday, November 23, 2014 - 11:53

What's New in Version 4.0.0

• New Material Design brings bold graphics, fluid motion, and tactile surfaces
• Make a restaurant reservation right from the app (U.S. only)
• See estimated wait time and cost of taking an Uber, if you have the app installed
• Optimized for iOS 8
• Bug fixes

By Raul on Friday, October 23, 2015 - 11:53

Is there a way to start the route on Version 4.11.68024? All I can do is select the preferred route, and then the step by step guide appears, but there's no starting button so the map starts to move as I do and the voice guides me. All I have is an add to calendar button, and the public transportation company info.

How do you guys do that?

By Bryan Jones on Friday, October 23, 2015 - 11:53

Hello Raul -- I am also unable to find a way to start navigation in Transit mode in version 4.11.68024 of the Google Maps IOS app. Interestingly, the start button does show up for driving, walking and bicycling modes. I will submit a bug report through the app and mention this on Google's general accessibility listserv at accessible@googlegroups.com

iPhone 5S, IOS 9.1

By sockhopsinger on Friday, October 23, 2015 - 11:53

Perhaps transit mode, like on Apple Maps, is only available in certain areas? Admittedly, it is not something I have ever used with Google Maps before, so this is just an idea.

By Raul on Friday, October 23, 2015 - 11:53

Transit mode is available in my country, and I've used it in previous versions.

By Brian on Sunday, September 23, 2018 - 11:53

Can anyone advise how I can save my absolute current position as a 'saved place' on Google Maps, so I can then select it later and find that location again? The web chat / help nfo says to click on the map, to drop a PIN, but of course I can't be sure I am clicking on the map where the arrow indicating I am situated right now is positioned.
I just want a simple method to save my location, when I'm out cycling, so I can later navigate back there again in the future, without 10 minutes struggling with app accessibility!

By alex wallis on Tuesday, February 23, 2021 - 11:53

Hi all, so I have a question how do I measure distance and travel time between two places especially if I am in neither location that I am interested in at time of wanting to measure.
I have googled, and of course google says I need to drop a pin on the map after tapping on the location then I have to scroll down to measure distance. I am of course not seeing a measure distance option though i'm not sure if this is because I haven't dropped a pin, and of course that's going to be difficult with VoiceOver anyway. i'm not sure if apple maps also has a measuring function or how accessible this might be.