Google does not offer this kind of feature. You can ask for directions using transit, of course, and the directions will take the time of arrival. You can also get a list of arrival times if you tap on a specific bus station, which is useful in some situations, but you can’t get a quick list of future arrival times at all nearby stations, which is better if you’re trying to decide between several options. Google should probably steal this feature, because it’s really nice to have. Integration With the Apple Ecosystem I’m a fan of messing around with Apple Shortcuts, an automation platform built into Apple devices. For example: I added a “Save my parking spot” button to my phone’s homepage. I can’t create shortcuts like Google Maps because Google doesn’t offer Apple Shortcuts integration. This is just one example of how Google does not go out of its way to integrate with Apple’s ecosystem. And then there is integration built into Apple’s apps and features. Calendar apps on Mac and iPhone by default open a map when you tap an address. The default Siri uses Maps if I ask for directions. If an Apple app offers directions, it will work through Apple Maps. You can call this unfair, of course, but Google does the same thing on Android. Google Maps is closely integrated with the rest of the company’s mobile OS, and this integration can make life easier for people who use the native service. It’s Only CleanerCourtesy of Justin PotGoogle Maps, over time, has more and more grafted into it. Nothing makes this clearer than opening both apps and noticing the contrast. Apple Maps uses fewer toolbars, fewer buttons, and in my opinion, the geographic references offered on the map are more useful (perhaps because, unlike Google, there are fewer paid advertisements). I’m the first to point out that Apple’s apps are cleaner than Google’s, and I’ll be the first to admit that the difference is subjective. But I think Apple’s design does a better job of staying out of your way, which is important if you’re just trying to get around. Google’s platform has a big head start on business information, for one thing, and even after a decade Apple hasn’t caught up. I’ve noticed this especially during a recent trip to Peru, where Apple Maps is basically useless. I’m sure people will be able to relate to me showing other things that Google is doing better, which is great. I just want to say that Apple Maps is quite good now and in some ways I actually find it better than Google Maps. If you haven’t tried out Apple Maps in a while, I recommend you. You might be surprised.
