Apple introduces offline Maps—but how does it compare with Google Maps?

Enlarge / With offline maps, Apple has achieved parity with Google Maps on this one feature after eight years. (credit: Samuel Axon)

Apple Maps has seen a significant comeback since it first debuted to near-universal panning in 2012, but anyone who has also used Google Maps can likely name a bunch of handy features that Apple Maps still lacks.

When iOS 17 releases this fall, though, one of those gaps will get covered. Apple will introduce downloadable maps—a vital feature for many users and one that Google has offered for years.

The iOS 17 public beta dropped this week, so users who aren't part of Apple's developer program can now access the feature for the first time—though I don't generally recommend installing beta operating systems on your daily drivers, of course.