Google Maps finally back on iPad; app’s iPhone version updated

The iPad once again has a Google Maps app optimized for the Apple tablet.

Google on Wednesday issued an iOS version of Google Maps specifically for use on the iPad. For the last nine months, iPad users who wanted to use Google Maps have been forced to use a version designed for the iPhone.

A previous version of Google Maps designed specifically for the iPad was removed by Apple in September. In its place Apple brought out its own navigation app, but quickly withdrew it after users complained that it contained lots of errors.

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Google on Wednesday also updated the iPhone version of Google Maps.

Now, both iPhone and iPad users of the app can receive live traffic updates when using turn-by-turn navigation.

“When you’re stuck in traffic and wondering what the holdup is, use Google Maps on your iPhone to get live incident reports on road closures, construction, accidents, and more,” Google said in a blog post.

Unfortunately for Apple users, the updated Google Maps app will not have on-the-fly rerouting around those traffic jams -- a feature the Android version of the app got when it was recently updated.

The Google Maps app for iOS devices, however, does have a new “explore” feature that the Android version already has. It allows users to tap find nearby places where they can eat, drink, shop and more.

The updated Google Maps for iOS also adds turn-by-turn directions for bicyclists, including directions for more than 330,000 miles of bike paths, trails and lanes around the globe.

Google also introduced a rating system for the iOS app to let users rate restaurants and other businesses encountered along the way.

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