Our 5 Favorite GPS Apps for iPhone in 2026

After a rocky launch in 2012 as part of iOS 6, Apple continued to refine its Maps app until it became a worthy competitor of Google Maps on iOS devices. It ships as part of the operating system on iOS, so it’s free and instantly available to users.

The app’s attractive design provides an intuitive user interface that guides drivers, walkers, and cyclists with turn-by-turn spoken directions. It gives an arrival time by factoring in real-time traffic information and the current speed limit.

Commuters can access real-time transit information in many cities with live arrival and departure times of the user’s bus or train. On flights, get indoor maps of airport terminals, including the locations of restaurants and restrooms.

The app’s Flyover Mode and 3D city views give a Google Earth-like experience: a 3D city image to explore virtually before a trip. Add favorites and favorite locations, and enjoy proactive suggestions.

Enhancements made in the iOS 14.5 upgrade include sharing your ETA when walking or riding a bike and, via CarPlay, sharing your ETA using Siri.

In addition, safely report a traffic incident hands-free using Siri or CarPlay (in the U.S. and China). Say something like, “Siri, there’s a crash up ahead,” to report the incident without using your phone.

You can manually report an incident or a cleared incident using the Apple Maps Report an Incident screen.

Apple Maps is free and available on iPhone, iPod touch, and iPad with iOS 10/iPadOS 10 or later, Apple Watches running watchOS 2.2 and later, and Apple Vision headsets operating visionOS 1.0 or later.

Waze is the world’s largest community-based traffic and navigation app. Join other drivers in your area who share real-time traffic and road information, saving everyone time and gas money on their daily commute.

The app’s social layer lets users contribute traffic jams, road hazards, speed traps, and similar information to the database. If you opt-in, Waze detects when you are traveling below the speed limit, contributing to real-time traffic data for all users.

The app uses on-the-fly maps, so you need an internet connection to navigate and communicate with other Waze users to share reported road hazards. Add a photo to road reports or integrate with social media.

Waze is free with advertisements and available for iPhone, iPod touch, and iPads with iOS 15/iPadOS 15 or later.

The TomTom Maps & Traffic app is a sleek combination of the latest TomTom car navigation technology and world-class traffic information.

The app displays the best route available based on accurate, real-time traffic information that gets you to your destination quickly. With the TomTom Traffic feature, you always know where delays are and whether a faster route is available.

Lane guidance is a standout feature of TomTom Maps & Traffic, and the app’s speed camera monitors posted speeds and alerts you to fixed and mobile speed cameras (requires an internet connection).

Choose from multiple route suggestions, points of interest along the way, and contribute to community-provided reports about speed traps or congestion.

TomTom Maps & Traffic is available for the iPhone and iPod touch with iOS 15.5 or later.

Google’s years of prioritizing Google Maps has resulted in a highly accurate map and points-of-interest database.

Traffic is powered by Waze, which Google owns. It calculates a way around traffic problems, if possible. Google Maps displays icons for construction, incidents (such as car crashes and potholes), and police presence. Color-coding indicates the amount of traffic.

The Google Maps feature list includes address and points-of-interest search using the Google Local Search utility. It offers ratings and local reviews. It also syncs searches and favorites (with a Google login). Choose from several map views: traffic, public transit, biking, satellite, terrain, or Google Earth.

Many languages are available, and you can adjust the voice guidance volume separately: softer, normal, or louder. You can also play voice prompts over Bluetooth to use your car speakers.

Google Maps is free and available for iPhone and iPod touch running iOS 15 or later, iPads running iPadOS 15 or later, and Apple Watches with watchOS 5.0 or later.