What is Apple Maps used for?

Apple Maps is Apple's mapping and navigation service for finding places, getting directions and browsing curated guides on its devices and the web. It is a good fit for navigating with an iPhone or Mac, discovering places through curated guides and updating a business listing on Maps.

Yes. Apple Maps is free to use.

Is Apple Maps open source?

No. Apple Maps is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to Apple Maps include Organic Maps, OsmAnd and OpenStreetMap.

What are some alternatives to Apple Maps?

Apple Maps competes with Google Maps, Waze and Bing Maps. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Apple Maps alternatives.

Apple Maps: features, pricing and alternatives

About Apple Maps

Apple Maps is the mapping and navigation service from Apple, built into its devices and also available on the web. Users search for local businesses and places, view maps, get recommendations through curated guides, and receive directions for getting around. Its website offers Search, Guides and Directions options in a simple interface.

The service also supports business owners: the web version links to a tool for businesses to manage their presence on Maps. Apple Maps is a proprietary hosted product with no self-hosted version, and it is included free with Apple devices and accessible through the browser at maps.apple.com.

Key features

Place and business search
Directions for getting around
Curated guides to places
Business presence management tools
Built into Apple devices
Web version at maps.apple.com

Good fit for

→Navigating with an iPhone or Mac
→Discovering places through curated guides
→Updating a business listing on Maps

Tags: maps; navigation; directions; apple; local-search; ios; mobile-app

Apple Maps: questions and answers

What is Apple Maps used for?: Apple Maps is Apple's mapping and navigation service for finding places, getting directions and browsing curated guides on its devices and the web. It is a good fit for navigating with an iPhone or Mac, discovering places through curated guides and updating a business listing on Maps.
Is Apple Maps free?: Yes. Apple Maps is free to use.
Is Apple Maps open source?: No. Apple Maps is proprietary (closed-source) software and can't be self-hosted. Open-source alternatives to Apple Maps include Organic Maps, OsmAnd and OpenStreetMap.
What are some alternatives to Apple Maps?: Apple Maps competes with Google Maps, Waze and Bing Maps. For open-source options, see Enlisted's ranked list of open-source Apple Maps alternatives.