Apple has introduced a potentially game-changing new Apple Maps feature, leaving many wondering if the iPhone creator has finally found the edge necessary to eclipse Google's offerings.
Many smartphone users consider their maps application of choice to be an essential yet potentially underrated part of their daily devices, as it means that they're never lost and can even get some handy recommendations if they're in an unfamiliar city.
Which maps app you end up going for is largely a matter of personal preference, and the split between Apple Maps and Google Maps appears to understandably fall between whether you have an iPhone or an Android device for the sake of convenience.
From a user perspective, many people consider Google's feature-rich and detailed version to be superior, yet Apple has now just introduced a new major Maps feature that could bring it in line with the competition.
What is the new Apple Maps feature?
As shared by MakeUseOf, Apple Maps' new and exciting feature is a partnership and integration with the Michelin Guide to help provide handy recommendations for hotels and restaurants.
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When using Apple Maps, you'll now be able to filter for Michelin-starred, Bib Gourmand, and Green Star options when searching for restaurants, and for Michelin Key hotels if you're on the hunt for somewhere nice to stay when traveling.
To activate both, all you need to do is type in 'restaurants' or 'hotels' into the Apple Maps search function, and then filter specifically for what type you want to see.
Unlike having to look through all of the restaurants in an entire city, this gives you a way to filter through ones that are almost guaranteed to be great, although they might be a little pricier if you're not willing to break the bank!
Is Apple Maps worth using over Google Maps now?
When it comes to whether its worth switching over to Apple Maps if you're currently a Google Maps user, it doesn't appear that this new feature is enough to justify the jump.
Unless you're specifically looking for restaurants or hotels on the luxury side of things, you're likely to still get better options and recommendations through Google Maps, according to MakeUseOf's own experience with both, and Google's own review integration is still far superior to the Yelp-based reviews offered by Apple Maps.
However, Apple is planning to add further integration from The Infatuation for restaurant recommendations in the future, and if you're a keen golfer, you might want to keep an eye out for expert assessments from Golf Digest when picking your next course, as that could be a real difference maker for certain people.