I always wonder if these systems will eventually get smart enough to only tell a certain amount of people to reroute since everyone rerouting will just move the traffic jams somewhere else.
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All Devices Updated Apple Maps
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I don't know if this is a glitch or intentional, but Apple Maps via Apple CarPlay has *always* behaved in this way:
If I search for a destination, like "White Castle" or something, Apple Maps will only give me one route option to get there. If I back out from navigating there, go back into selectable destinations, and select White Castle again (which is now stored in my list of recent places), it will give me up to three route options.
If I search for a destination, like "White Castle" or something, Apple Maps will only give me one route option to get there. If I back out from navigating there, go back into selectable destinations, and select White Castle again (which is now stored in my list of recent places), it will give me up to three route options.
So I did my drive yesterday using google maps and then occasionally going into Apple maps on the phone and checking it’s route. I found that google maps actually saved me even more time (although that may have been traffic disappearing before I got there). However Apple maps was always 8-10 minutes longer for the same route. Apple maps did not catch up and be come accurate until i was about 16 miles from my destination.
Can you and @MozMan68 clue me in on this?
A couple of times I have now used Apple Maps and Google Maps for route estimates. Both are close though GM will give me more route options. For me GM will update live as the route time changes while AM will do it sporadically. I did it this past weekend on a trip to Pismo Beach and AM was off by a good bit as it didn’t update like GM did during the trip. It updated, but not real time.
For the two of you to have results like you are getting, I feel like I must have something wrong or missing.
Running on XS Max iOS13 PB2 ....
At times I will run GM on my Razer.
My only guess on the Maps updates are that I have noticed Apple likes to wait until it is coming to an alternate route junction before updating so it can advise if you need to change routes.
This is overridden when there is an accident or heavy traffic of course, but once on the route, it doesn't update as often as Google does.
My other theory on this is that Google uses their traffic prediction algorithms to provide more frequent updates. I'm not saying that isn't good, but I've said before, I'm not a fan of the "over-information" Google seems to provide...and much of it is not based on actual data, but traffic history.
My experience shows that Apple updates are more purposeful and based on live events that actually change the time and that the ETA's are more accurate because they AREN'T changing so often.
At the end of the day, one may be better than the other simply based on where you live and the amount of consistent traffic you experience. I just prefer the Apple way of doing it as I now trust it to take me the best way as quickly as possible. Side by side by side (Apple/Google/Waze) comparisons around the country I have done when possible have always ended up with Apple being the easiest to follow (emphasis on primary roads) with little to no effect on ETA (quickest arrival time)...and therefore, typically the most accurate in my experience.
I know someone WAY smarter than me will do a detailed comparison once Maps is updated and publish an article on it...I hope. Maybe I SHOULD do it...hah!
This is overridden when there is an accident or heavy traffic of course, but once on the route, it doesn't update as often as Google does.
My other theory on this is that Google uses their traffic prediction algorithms to provide more frequent updates. I'm not saying that isn't good, but I've said before, I'm not a fan of the "over-information" Google seems to provide...and much of it is not based on actual data, but traffic history.
My experience shows that Apple updates are more purposeful and based on live events that actually change the time and that the ETA's are more accurate because they AREN'T changing so often.
At the end of the day, one may be better than the other simply based on where you live and the amount of consistent traffic you experience. I just prefer the Apple way of doing it as I now trust it to take me the best way as quickly as possible. Side by side by side (Apple/Google/Waze) comparisons around the country I have done when possible have always ended up with Apple being the easiest to follow (emphasis on primary roads) with little to no effect on ETA (quickest arrival time)...and therefore, typically the most accurate in my experience.
I know someone WAY smarter than me will do a detailed comparison once Maps is updated and publish an article on it...I hope. Maybe I SHOULD do it...hah!
I see Apple Maps update the ETA all the time throughout the route. I watch it as I'm driving, because I'm always running late to work. lol
I do notice that Apple Maps tends to overestimate, or pad, the ETA. As I'm driving, and not hitting any traffic, the ETA will slowly, slowly lower. Alternatively, if I'm sitting at a very long traffic light, or hit a bit of traffic, I'll see the ETA slowly get worse. I more or less see Google Maps and Waze behaving the same way.
I do notice that Apple Maps tends to overestimate, or pad, the ETA. As I'm driving, and not hitting any traffic, the ETA will slowly, slowly lower. Alternatively, if I'm sitting at a very long traffic light, or hit a bit of traffic, I'll see the ETA slowly get worse. I more or less see Google Maps and Waze behaving the same way.
Thanks for the feedback.
If you want to see the route, and your thoughts may be spot on, do a plan in AM from Ventura Ca > Pismo Beach Ca.
While both were initially close, AM was a good bit off likely due to intermittent traffic.
I see the same issue when I did a bit of testing Ventura Ca to Newbury Park Ca.
It looks like there's no traffic at all on that route, so both programs may be the same because they're utilizing only mileage and speed limit information, without needing to factor in traffic.
So...it’s 4:15 pm there now...and you would think rush hour traffic would cause times to change.
Apple does increase ever so slightly, but Google now says it’s a minute faster.
Over almost two hours, I wouldn’t even consider either to be significant differences.
Thanks both for your responses.
Take a look at this post: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/updated-apple-maps.2125979/page-39#post-27545767
This is what I ran into when I started my trip on Sunday.
btw - the route AM offered was not the route I wanted to take. This was my actual route which AM would not allow as an option.(see below) - AM had issues adjusting as I drove. I wanted a coastal route
Hopefully that is nexct.
Take a look at this post: https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/updated-apple-maps.2125979/page-39#post-27545767
This is what I ran into when I started my trip on Sunday.
btw - the route AM offered was not the route I wanted to take. This was my actual route which AM would not allow as an option.(see below) - AM had issues adjusting as I drove. I wanted a coastal route
Hopefully that is nexct.
Just realized I’m driving 6 hours tomorrow and Friday...and will get a car with CarPlay. Will report in...
Well...halfway I to my trip and going okay, but definitely having traffic issues. Sometimes it is spot on, but more often than it I’ve come up to marked traffic and nothing was there.
Woo hoo!
Marker moved to the top of the map in this view and stayed there for a really long time.
Really annoying...was in the opposite spot it should have been.
Hmmmmm....traffic for miles and not on the map.
Really? Cruises right through this “traffic”
Oh...and they really need to get on the POI’s along the route. It used to work great for me. I could ask Siri, “directions to Starbucks along my route” and it would list them.
I do that now and it brings up ones along my route alright...but my route that I drove past 30 miles ago. I only want to see options that I will be passing, not that I have already passed (well, maybe if I JUST passed).
Woo hoo!
Marker moved to the top of the map in this view and stayed there for a really long time.
Really annoying...was in the opposite spot it should have been.
Hmmmmm....traffic for miles and not on the map.
Really? Cruises right through this “traffic”
Oh...and they really need to get on the POI’s along the route. It used to work great for me. I could ask Siri, “directions to Starbucks along my route” and it would list them.
I do that now and it brings up ones along my route alright...but my route that I drove past 30 miles ago. I only want to see options that I will be passing, not that I have already passed (well, maybe if I JUST passed).
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I'll be taking a drive deep into northeastern Connecticut this afternoon. Despite being a Friday, I will tempt fate and use Apple Maps.
Traffic seems to be fine on mine....other than its decided to start showing it on the wrong side of the road! Its like it thinks i'm driving on the right, not on the left as we do (correctly ) in the UK.
I did update public beta versions at lunchtime but it seemed to do it both this morning and and again when i went out after updating.
) in the UK. I did update public beta versions at lunchtime but it seemed to do it both this morning and and again when i went out after updating.
Well...halfway I to my trip and going okay, but definitely having traffic issues. Sometimes it is spot on, but more often than it I’ve come up to marked traffic and nothing was there.
Woo hoo!
Marker moved to the top of the map in this view and stayed there for a really long time.
Really annoying...was in the opposite spot it should have been.
Hmmmmm....traffic for miles and not on the map.
Really? Cruises right through this “traffic”
Oh...and they really need to get on the POI’s along the route. It used to work great for me. I could ask Siri, “directions to Starbucks along my route” and it would list them.
I do that now and it brings up ones along my route alright...but my route that I drove past 30 miles ago. I only want to see options that I will be passing, not that I have already passed (well, maybe if I JUST passed).
Is this with iOS 13 beta or iOS 12?
Traffic was still screwed up for me today...somethings just not right. It has always been right on target, especially for highway slowdowns.
Zero traffic here. And I’m not saying there could have been at some point, but I have never experienced it here and would expect it to be.
I did figure out what was causing the position bug in the tiled view. You’ll notice the construction area marked on the map (correctly, I might add).
It zoomed in and gave me a notification when it was coming up, but the tiled view kept it in view on the screen for as long as I was willing to check.
I finally ended my route and restarted it again which fixed the issue.
Other than that, everything performed flawlessly. The traffic errors was a real pain though.
Zero traffic here. And I’m not saying there could have been at some point, but I have never experienced it here and would expect it to be.
I did figure out what was causing the position bug in the tiled view. You’ll notice the construction area marked on the map (correctly, I might add).
It zoomed in and gave me a notification when it was coming up, but the tiled view kept it in view on the screen for as long as I was willing to check.
I finally ended my route and restarted it again which fixed the issue.
Other than that, everything performed flawlessly. The traffic errors was a real pain though.
Traffic for my rush hour drive to northeastern Connecticut was spot on perfect. As was my ETA. No issues.
But my destination was a rather small city, with no details, no parking lot data, and spotty cell phone reception. Trying to come home, Apple Maps was struggling to load directions for the long trip back to New York. Had to drive a few blocks away to get a better signal.
But Apple Maps got a little glitchy and annoying on CarPlay during the drive home. About midway home, it suggested I could save time by switching over to the Merritt Parkway, which I did. But while driving, I decided I wanted to search for a place to eat. I used Siri to search, but while she would read me out loud the nearest choice, the screen would never show it, so there was nothing to select. It took me back to the map. I tried again, but each time, Siri would simply bring me to the screen that lets me select from recent destinations. I had to get off the highway, pull over, unplug my phone, and restart Apple Maps after a force-close to get it to work again.
But my destination was a rather small city, with no details, no parking lot data, and spotty cell phone reception. Trying to come home, Apple Maps was struggling to load directions for the long trip back to New York. Had to drive a few blocks away to get a better signal.
But Apple Maps got a little glitchy and annoying on CarPlay during the drive home. About midway home, it suggested I could save time by switching over to the Merritt Parkway, which I did. But while driving, I decided I wanted to search for a place to eat. I used Siri to search, but while she would read me out loud the nearest choice, the screen would never show it, so there was nothing to select. It took me back to the map. I tried again, but each time, Siri would simply bring me to the screen that lets me select from recent destinations. I had to get off the highway, pull over, unplug my phone, and restart Apple Maps after a force-close to get it to work again.
Not saying AM is perfect here or not acting weird, but I think some people may be misunderstanding how traffic re-routing works.
If it is better to stay on the highway you are on in traffic then get off to side roads, or no direct way on side roads to get there (say crossing a river etc), then it will keep you in the traffic.
While it may be human nature thinking it will be faster to get off and avoid traffice because you are moving, getting off to take side roads to get to point B on the map in 16 min is not worth getting off the highway if there is only 14 min of traffic to get to that same point B.
The maps app is going to keep you on the shortest route. It may guess right, it may guess wrong. That is a fr more complex issue if traffic takes longer than the guess.
If it is better to stay on the highway you are on in traffic then get off to side roads, or no direct way on side roads to get there (say crossing a river etc), then it will keep you in the traffic.
While it may be human nature thinking it will be faster to get off and avoid traffice because you are moving, getting off to take side roads to get to point B on the map in 16 min is not worth getting off the highway if there is only 14 min of traffic to get to that same point B.
The maps app is going to keep you on the shortest route. It may guess right, it may guess wrong. That is a fr more complex issue if traffic takes longer than the guess.
Was anyone confused about that? I might have missed a post or comment.
I think with Apple Maps, there is definitely something going on though with the traffic layer/data in certain areas.
Even with that, my eta’s have been spot on, so I’m writing that off as false graphics, not anything that actually affects the routing or eta.
As far as getting off the highway when staying in traffic is actually better, this is why Waze started (and others followed) giving the traffic time so you actually know to believe the app. With that being said, I’m one of those people that prefers to keep moving, even if it may add a minute. My logic is that I drive faster than the posted speed limit most of the time anyway, so I’ll probably make up the time on the side roads. Even if I don’t, I prefer to be “driving” than just sitting...but that’s me.
Oh yeah, three more observations:
While driving north on I-95 during heavy traffic on Friday, Apple Maps told me to get off the highway at a random exit, only to get right back onto the highway at the next traffic light. I have to assume that when I originally loaded my directions from New York, there was such heavy traffic in this area that Apple Maps decided it would somehow be faster to get off at this exit and get right back on again (something I could see Waze doing). But when I finally got up to this area, there was no traffic at all, but Apple Maps still had me perform this exiting maneuver.
Driving home on I-395 south, there was a highway closure for construction, forcing all traffic on a detour at a certain exit, and getting back onto the highway after the next traffic light. Apple Maps was aware that the highway was closed, and automatically routed me via the detour. That was a win.
Maybe I just don't take long drives all that often, but I noticed that when I'll be staying on the same highway for more than 15 miles or so, upper left of the screen will show "For 52 miles, stay on I-95", or something like that. Google Maps does that too, although I can't pin down their algorithms to make this consistently happen.
EDIT - Happy 1,000 posts, everyone.
While driving north on I-95 during heavy traffic on Friday, Apple Maps told me to get off the highway at a random exit, only to get right back onto the highway at the next traffic light. I have to assume that when I originally loaded my directions from New York, there was such heavy traffic in this area that Apple Maps decided it would somehow be faster to get off at this exit and get right back on again (something I could see Waze doing). But when I finally got up to this area, there was no traffic at all, but Apple Maps still had me perform this exiting maneuver.
Driving home on I-395 south, there was a highway closure for construction, forcing all traffic on a detour at a certain exit, and getting back onto the highway after the next traffic light. Apple Maps was aware that the highway was closed, and automatically routed me via the detour. That was a win.
Maybe I just don't take long drives all that often, but I noticed that when I'll be staying on the same highway for more than 15 miles or so, upper left of the screen will show "For 52 miles, stay on I-95", or something like that. Google Maps does that too, although I can't pin down their algorithms to make this consistently happen.
EDIT - Happy 1,000 posts, everyone.