Google Maps Update For iOS Includes In-App Search and Discovery

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Google has released a significant update for the iPhone version of Google Maps. The new Google Maps for iPhone now comes with new features that make it easier to find relevant place information. The improved in-app search will allow you to search and call up your Google Contacts even when they’re not stored locally on your phone.

A new location categories feature has also been added. You will now be able to browse nearby businesses without having to know what you are looking for.

These new additions make Google Maps a much better rival to Apple Maps especially with the addition of the Nearby Places navigation tool. Users can now discover businesses in their neighborhoods by quickly selecting popular categories such as cafes, bars, gas stations, etc.

Google Maps for iPhone continues to offer voice guided turn-by-turn navigation, public transit directions, Street View and more.  While we are yet to see an iPad-optimized version of Google Maps, it would be great to finally use the iPad mini as a windshield guide. Let’s wait and see if Google makes our wishes come true, but in the meantime, the new additions to the iPhone version are no doubt welcome.

You can now download Google Maps for free in the App store.