Google Maps

What is Google Maps?

Google Maps is a widely used mobile application that serves as a robust tool for global exploration and navigation. The application assists users in finding optimal routes with live traffic data and offers real-time GPS navigation across different transport methods, including driving, walking, cycling, and public transit. Beyond navigation, it facilitates the discovery of over 250 million businesses and places, ranging from restaurants and shops to everyday essentials, complete with photos, user reviews, and other helpful information.

The application is made available by Google and can be accessed through both Google Play for Android devices and the App Store for iOS devices. On Google Play, the developer is listed as Google LLC, while on the App Store, it is listed simply as Google. The Google Play version has seen over 400K downloads in the last month alone and holds a rating of 3.2 from 19.4M users, categorized under Travel & Local. The App Store version, released on 2012-12-13, is categorized under Navigation, has a rating of 4.7 from 7.4M users, and requires iOS 16.0 or later.

Ultimately, Google Maps is designed to empower users to navigate their surroundings efficiently and explore new areas with confidence. It aims to simplify planning trips and experiences by offering features that allow users to preview locations, save points of interest, and make various bookings directly through the platform. The Google Play version was last updated on 2026-04-30, and the App Store version was updated on 2026-10-09, with a size of 494 MB on iOS.

Is this the real Google Maps app?

Key features

• Live traffic data and real-time GPS navigation are provided for driving, walking, cycling, and public transport.
• Users can discover over 250 million businesses and places, complete with photos, reviews, and helpful information.
• The application offers fuel-efficient route options and automatic rerouting based on live traffic, incidents, and road closures.
• It enables planning trips and experiences effortlessly through features like Street View for area previews and Immersive View for experiencing landmarks and routes.
• Custom lists of favorite saved places can be created and shared with others, and offline maps are available for areas with bad signal.
• The application also supports Wear OS devices, allowing users to add tiles and complications for quick search and navigation.

Privacy and permissions

On Google Play, Google Maps requests access to several permission groups. These include Identity, Contacts, Location, Photos/Media/Files, Storage, Camera, Microphone, and Wi-Fi connection information. These permissions enable various functionalities of the app, such as locating the user, accessing stored data for offline maps, and utilizing the camera and microphone for specific features like Lens in Maps.

The App Store listing for Google Maps does not explicitly detail the permission groups or specific data access requests required for the iOS version of the application. The developer does not provide further details regarding data privacy practices or how user data is collected, stored, or used beyond general descriptions in the App Store listing.

Google publishes its privacy policy at www.google.com.

Google Maps permissions in plain English

Google Maps at a glance

Pricing

Google Maps is available without cost on both major mobile platforms. The Google Play listing indicates a price of 0, while the App Store listing explicitly states "Free."

The information available does not mention any in-app purchases or subscription models associated with Google Maps. Users can access the full suite of available features on both Android and iOS devices without incurring direct costs.

Google Maps compared with similar apps

App	Rating	Installs	Price
Google Maps	3.3	–	Free
Google Chrome	4.1	–	Free
Wifi Speed Test	4.0	–	Free
Bible Gateway	3.7	–	Free

How to get Google Maps safely

To help ensure a proper installation of Google Maps, users should obtain the application exclusively from legitimate distribution platforms such as Google Play or the App Store. When downloading, it is crucial to verify the developer name, which is listed as "Google LLC" on Google Play and "Google" on the App Store. Confirming the developer helps to avoid unauthorized versions of the application.

It is strongly advised to refrain from downloading Google Maps from third-party websites, unofficial app stores, or through APK mirrors, as these sources may offer modified or compromised versions that could pose risks. Before completing the installation, users are encouraged to review the permissions requested by the application, particularly on Android devices where a detailed list of permission groups, including Identity, Contacts, and Location, is provided. This practice helps users understand what data the application intends to access on their device.

How to install Google Maps

Google Maps version and app details

Who Google Maps is for

Google Maps is designed for a broad audience seeking comprehensive navigation and local discovery functionalities. It is particularly beneficial for individuals who frequently travel, commute, or explore new areas, offering detailed directions for driving, walking, cycling, and public transportation. Users who rely on real-time traffic updates to save time and avoid road incidents will find the automatic rerouting feature valuable.

The application also serves those interested in discovering local businesses and points of interest, providing extensive information, user reviews, and photos for over 250 million places. Travelers can leverage features like Street View and Immersive View to preview destinations and plan trips effectively, while offline maps ensure usability even in areas with limited connectivity. With content ratings of "Everyone" on Google Play and "4+" on the App Store, the application is suitable for most users.

Google Maps ratings breakdown