Apple Maps has some good features, but mostly misses the mark with an offering that's not as good as the Google-powered offering in iOS 5.
Jason Parker
Jason Parker has been at CNET for nearly 15 years. He is the senior editor in charge of iOS software and has become an expert reviewer of the software that runs on each new Apple device. He now spends most of his time covering Apple iOS releases and third-party apps.
When in a supported city, 3D Flyover views are very impressive, and you can browse smoothly with a high frame rate even on last-gen devices. If you get away from supported cities, there can be severe visual bugs.
2 of 5Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET
Yelp-powered map info
When you select an icon from the map, or choose a search result, Apple's Maps app shows an info card with contact details, the address, and other info. You also can touch the tabs at the top for Yelp reviews and pictures from the venue, which can be useful.
3 of 5Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET
Not much at SFO International
Perform a search for the San Francisco airport and you won't get much beyond where the terminals are.
4 of 5Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET
Map icons offer not enough info
When viewing your area, Apple's Maps app shows icons for restaurants, coffee shops, and other services, but you wont get public transportation details, and you won't get names of establishments without touching an icon. This is not an upgrade to the previous Google-powered Maps app in iOS 5.
5 of 5Screenshot by Jason Parker/CNET
Finally with turn-by-turn directions
Turn-by-turn directions work admirably well up against Google Maps on Android, but it might be at the expense of every other feature.
