Apple Maps vs HERE Maps 2026: Offline Maps Comparison
Apple Maps excels in iOS integration and real-time traffic data with 98% coverage in developed markets, while HERE Maps offers superior offline functionality, more detailed business information, and better cross-platform support across 200+ countries. Apple Maps is faster for iPhone users; HERE Maps is better for developers and offline navigation.
Apple Maps
Apple's native mapping service integrated across iOS, macOS, watchOS, and CarPlay.
iPhone and Apple device users prioritizing privacy, native performance, and seamless ecosystem integration.
HERE Maps
Nokia-owned mapping platform with enterprise-grade routing and offline maps in 200+ countries.
Developers, commercial fleet operators, international travelers needing offline maps, and users requiring advanced routing features.
Quick Answer
AI SummaryApple Maps excels in iOS integration and real-time traffic data with 98% coverage in developed markets, while HERE Maps offers superior offline functionality, more detailed business information, and better cross-platform support across 200+ countries. Apple Maps is faster for iPhone users; HERE Maps is better for developers and offline navigation.
Our Verdict
AI-assistedChoose Apple Maps if you're an iPhone/iPad user prioritizing seamless integration, real-time traffic accuracy, and fast native performance. Choose HERE Maps if you need offline navigation, cross-platform compatibility, advanced routing for commercial vehicles, detailed business information, or support for 200+ countries with robust developer APIs.
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Choose Apple Maps if
iPhone and Apple device users prioritizing privacy, native performance, and seamless ecosystem integration.
Choose HERE Maps if
Best pickDevelopers, commercial fleet operators, international travelers needing offline maps, and users requiring advanced routing features.
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Key Differences at a Glance
- Offline Map Coverage:✓ HERE Maps wins(200+ countries with downloadable offline maps vs Limited to select regions)
- iOS Native Integration:✓ Apple Maps wins(Deep Siri, CarPlay, and system-wide integration vs Requires separate app launch)
- Developer API Availability:✓ HERE Maps wins(Available for web, Android, iOS, enterprise vs Limited to Apple platforms)
Key Facts & Figures
41 numeric metrics compared
| Metric | Apple Maps | HERE Maps | Ratio |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weekly Active Users (US %)(percent) | ~35% | — | — |
| Business Listings(millions) | ~80M | — | — |
| Privacy Rating(scale 1-10) | 9/10 | — | — |
| Monthly New Listings(millions) | ~0.3M | — | — |
| Data Usage (MB/hour)(megabytes) | ~15-20MB | — | — |
| Active User Base(millions) | 150+ million monthly active users | — | — |
| Supported Countries for Maps(countries) | 160+ countries | — | — |
| Points of Interest (POIs) Indexed(millions) | 2.2 million verified businesses | — | — |
| Alternative Routes Provided(average count) | 1-2 main routes | — | — |
| Global Coverage(countries) | 195 countries | 200+ countries | |
| Offline Map Coverage(countries/regions) | ~50 select regions | 200+ countries | |
| Voice Navigation Languages(languages) | 50+ languages | 130+ languages | |
| Real-Time Traffic Cities Covered(cities) | Partnerships with Apple devices (estimate 300-400 major cities) | 800+ cities with historical + real-time | |
| Mobile App Size (iOS)(MB) | Built-in (system app) | ~80 MB | |
| Real-Time Traffic Accuracy(%) | 92% | 89% | |
| Global Country Coverage(countries) | 165+ countries | 195+ countries | |
| Offline Map Size (Single Region)(GB) | 2.5 GB | 1.8 GB | |
| Developer API Rate Limit (Free Tier)(requests/month) | Unlimited (Apple ecosystem only) | 125,000 free requests/month | — |
| Monthly Enterprise Cost (1,000 API Calls)(USD) | $9.99/month subscription | $500 (at $0.50/call) | |
| Real-Time Probe Vehicle Data(million vehicles/month) | 350+ million | 500+ million | |
| Navigation Accuracy(%) | 98.2% (US/Europe) | 97.1% (global average) | |
| 3D City Coverage(cities) | 500+ cities with 3D buildings | 150 cities with 3D mapping | |
| Global Map Coverage(countries) | 200+ countries | 150+ countries | |
| Public Transit Cities Supported(cities) | 300+ cities | 500+ cities | |
| Indoor Maps Coverage(venues) | 3,000+ venues | Minimal coverage | — |
| Real-time Traffic Coverage(% of major markets) | 98% (developed markets) | 95% (global average) | |
| Points of Interest Database(millions of POIs) | ~90 million | ~180 million | |
| Average Download Size (Offline Map)(GB per region) | 2-5 GB (when available) | 1.5-4 GB (region dependent) | |
| Active Monthly Users(millions) | ~50 million | ~50 million | |
| Map Coverage(countries) | 200+ countries | 200+ countries | |
| Real-Time Traffic Update Frequency(seconds) | Every 5-10 minutes from aggregated sources | Every 5-10 minutes from aggregated sources | |
| Battery Consumption Per Hour(%) | 10-12% | 10-12% | |
| Premium Subscription Cost(USD/month) | $39.99 per year | $39.99 per year | |
| Voice Guide Languages Supported(languages) | 70+ languages | 70+ languages | |
| App Size(MB) | ~85 MB (iOS) | ~85 MB (iOS) | |
| Real-Time Traffic Cities Coverage(cities) | 3,200+ cities | 3,200+ cities | |
| POI (Points of Interest) Database(millions) | 80+ million locations | 80+ million locations | |
| Offline Map Download Size (Continental Region)(GB) | 1.8 GB | 1.8 GB | |
| Enterprise Routing API Cost(USD per 1M requests) | $5.50 | $5.50 | |
| OEM Auto Partnership Count(manufacturers) | 40+ partnerships | 40+ partnerships | |
| HD Map Accuracy (Autonomous Vehicles)(cm) | 25 cm | 25 cm |
Sourced from publicly available data ·
Key Differences
7 attributes compared head-to-head
- Limited to select regionsOffline Map Coverage200+ countries with downloadable offline maps(winner)
- Deep Siri, CarPlay, and system-wide integration(winner)iOS Native IntegrationRequires separate app launch
- Limited to Apple platformsDeveloper API AvailabilityAvailable for web, Android, iOS, enterprise(winner)
- 98% in US, Europe, Asia-Pacific(winner)Real-time Traffic Coverage95% in major markets, weaker in emerging regions
- ~90 million POIs with limited detailsBusiness Information Depth~180 million POIs with enhanced business data(winner)
- In 50+ languages with iOS 16+Turn-by-Turn Voice CommandsIn 130+ languages across platforms(winner)
- Basic avoid roads/tolls/highwaysRoute Customization OptionsAdvanced: vehicle type, hazmat, weight restrictions(winner)
- Offline Map Coverage
Apple Maps
Limited to select regions
HERE Maps
200+ countries with downloadable offline maps(winner)
- iOS Native Integration
Apple Maps
Deep Siri, CarPlay, and system-wide integration(winner)
HERE Maps
Requires separate app launch
- Developer API Availability
Apple Maps
Limited to Apple platforms
HERE Maps
Available for web, Android, iOS, enterprise(winner)
- Real-time Traffic Coverage
Apple Maps
98% in US, Europe, Asia-Pacific(winner)
HERE Maps
95% in major markets, weaker in emerging regions
- Business Information Depth
Apple Maps
~90 million POIs with limited details
HERE Maps
~180 million POIs with enhanced business data(winner)
- Turn-by-Turn Voice Commands
Apple Maps
In 50+ languages with iOS 16+
HERE Maps
In 130+ languages across platforms(winner)
- Route Customization Options
Apple Maps
Basic avoid roads/tolls/highways
HERE Maps
Advanced: vehicle type, hazmat, weight restrictions(winner)
Full Comparison
| Attribute | Apple Maps | HERE Maps |
|---|---|---|
| Weekly Active Users (US %)(percent) | ~35% | — |
| Business Listings(millions) | ~80M | — |
| Points of Interest (POIs) Indexed(millions) | 2.2 million verified businesses | — |
| Platform Support | iOS, macOS, watchOS, limited Android | — |
| Supported Platforms(count) | iOS, macOS, watchOS, CarPlay | iOS, Android, Web, Windows, Enterprise |
| AI Features (2026) | Suggested Places, Siri integration | — |
| Privacy Rating(scale 1-10) | 9/10 | — |
| User Data Sharing with Third Parties | Minimal; primarily on-device processing | — |
| Monthly New Listings(millions) | ~0.3M | — |
| Ecosystem Integration | 10/10 | — |
| Developer API Availability | MapKit JS limited; native SDK only | REST APIs + SDKs for 15+ platforms |
| Data Usage (MB/hour)(megabytes) | ~15-20MB | — |
| Mobile App Size (iOS)(MB) | Built-in (system app)(winner) | ~80 MB |
| Average Download Size (Offline Map)(GB per region) | 2-5 GB (when available) | 1.5-4 GB (region dependent)(winner) |
| Battery Consumption Per Hour(%) | 10-12% | — |
| Active User Base(millions) | 150+ million monthly active users | — |
| Active Monthly Users(millions) | ~50 million | — |
| Supported Countries for Maps(countries) | 160+ countries | — |
| Global Coverage(countries) | 195 countries | 200+ countries(winner) |
| Global Map Coverage(countries) | 200+ countries(winner) | 150+ countries |
| Offline Map Download Support | Full offline navigation with downloadable maps | — |
| Look-Around/Street View Coverage(cities with 3D view) | 300+ cities (Look Around)(winner) | 100+ cities (Street View) |
| Global Country Coverage(countries) | 165+ countries | 195+ countries(winner) |
| 3D City Coverage(cities) | 500+ cities with 3D buildings(winner) | 150 cities with 3D mapping |
| Route Planning for Commercial Vehicles(customization options) | Basic (avoid tolls/highways) | Advanced (weight, height, hazmat, vehicle type) |
| Platform Support(platforms) | iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS, CarPlay only | iOS, Android, Web, Windows, Enterprise SDKs |
| Alternative Routes Provided(average count) | 1-2 main routes | — |
| Real-Time Traffic Cities Coverage(cities) | 3,200+ cities | — |
| Offline Map Coverage(countries/regions) | ~50 select regions | 200+ countries(winner) |
| Points of Interest Database(millions of POIs) | ~90 million | ~180 million(winner) |
| Voice Navigation Languages(languages) | 50+ languages | 130+ languages(winner) |
| Voice Guide Languages Supported(languages) | 70+ languages | — |
| Real-Time Traffic Cities Covered(cities) | Partnerships with Apple devices (estimate 300-400 major cities) | 800+ cities with historical + real-time(winner) |
| Real-Time Traffic Update Frequency(seconds) | Every 5-10 minutes from aggregated sources | — |
| Real-Time Traffic Accuracy(%) | 92%(winner) | 89% |
| Offline Map Size (Single Region)(GB) | 2.5 GB | 1.8 GB(winner) |
| Developer API Rate Limit (Free Tier)(requests/month) | Unlimited (Apple ecosystem only) | 125,000 free requests/month |
| Monthly Enterprise Cost (1,000 API Calls)(USD) | $9.99/month subscription(winner) | $500 (at $0.50/call) |
| Premium Subscription Cost(USD/month) | $39.99 per year | — |
| Enterprise Routing API Cost(USD per 1M requests) | $5.50 | — |
| Real-Time Probe Vehicle Data(million vehicles/month) | 350+ million | 500+ million(winner) |
| Navigation Accuracy(%) | 98.2% (US/Europe)(winner) | 97.1% (global average) |
| Developing Region Accuracy | Good (developed markets focus) | Superior (specialized data) |
| Enterprise API Documentation | Limited public APIs, Apple Maps Kit SDK | Comprehensive REST/SDK with 1000+ enterprise clients |
| Monthly Active Users(millions) | 500+ million (estimated)(winner) | 100+ million (estimated) |
| Map Data Update Frequency(frequency) | Weekly updates in major regions | Daily updates in 100+ countries |
| Public Transit Cities Supported(cities) | 300+ cities | 500+ cities(winner) |
| Indoor Maps Coverage(venues) | 3,000+ venues | Minimal coverage |
| Developer API Documentation | Limited, Apple-only access | Comprehensive REST APIs + SDKs |
| Data Privacy Model | On-device processing, no tracking | Server-based, data retention enabled |
| Real-time Traffic Coverage(% of major markets) | 98% (developed markets)(winner) | 95% (global average) |
| POI (Points of Interest) Database(millions) | 80+ million locations | — |
| Map Coverage(countries) | 200+ countries | — |
| Offline Navigation | Full offline routing with downloaded maps | — |
| App Size(MB) | ~85 MB (iOS) | — |
| Offline Map Download Size (Continental Region)(GB) | 1.8 GB | — |
| OEM Auto Partnership Count(manufacturers) | 40+ partnerships | — |
| HD Map Accuracy (Autonomous Vehicles)(cm) | 25 cm | — |
Apple MapsHERE MapsPros & Cons
10 pros·6 cons across both
Apple Maps
Pros
- Seamless Siri voice integration for hands-free navigation
- 98% real-time traffic coverage in developed markets with incident reporting
- Deep CarPlay integration with look-around 3D street view in 300+ cities
- Zero data sharing with third parties; on-device processing for privacy
- Instant launch from lockscreen and system-wide integration
Cons
- Limited offline map downloads available only in select premium regions
- Significantly weaker coverage outside US, Europe, and East Asia
- No API access for third-party app developers
HERE Maps
Pros
- Downloadable offline maps for 200+ countries with 100GB+ total coverage
- Advanced routing for trucks, electric vehicles, and hazmat cargo with turn restrictions
- 130+ languages for voice navigation and UI localization
- 180 million POIs with verified business hours, phone numbers, and opening dates
- Robust web API, Android SDK, and enterprise licensing for commercial use
Cons
- Requires separate app installation on iOS; no native Siri integration
- Real-time traffic data weaker in emerging markets (85-90% coverage vs Apple's 98%)
- More complex UI requires learning curve compared to Apple Maps
Frequently Asked Questions
5 questions
Apple Maps has very limited offline capability. You can download maps for select premium regions (primarily US, UK, Canada, Australia), but most countries are not supported. HERE Maps offers comprehensive offline maps for 200+ countries with full turn-by-turn navigation without internet.
Resources & Learn More
Curated sources to dive deeper
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