If you are an iPhone user, itโs likely that no day goes by without using Apple Maps – and understandably so. In terms of popularity, Apple Maps sits next to Google Maps, thanks to timely updates by Apple.
Whether youโre looking to find your parked car, visiting a new place, driving around your city, or heading abroad for holidays, Apple Maps is your go-to app for all your navigation needs. But all that doesnโt come for free; Apple Maps uses your mobile data to provide you information you need.
Besides the fact that unlimited plans are expensive, you should always keep your data usage in check. Itโs no wonder you must be thinking about how much data Apple Maps use. After all, thatโs why youโre here, right?
In this guide, youโll not only learn about Apple Maps data usage but also understand the factors that influence it. Of course, weโll walk you through different tips to reduce data usage while using Apple Maps. So, without wasting further time, letโs jump right into it.
How much data does Apple Maps use for navigation per hour?
Since you are using Apple Maps for navigation during your ride, itโs ideal to know how much data it consumes. Well, itโs estimated that Apple Maps uses between 5MB and 10MB of data per hour. If we have to break it down, 20 minutes of Apple Maps usage depletes 1.8MB of data from your plan.
Also read: How to Change Apple Maps from Km to Miles [iPhone, iPad, Mac]
How much data does Apple Maps use per day and month?
Considering the above estimation, using Apple Maps for a day will set you back by approx. 130MB of data. That also amounts to approx. 3.88GB of data per month, in case youโre wondering how much data Apple Maps uses monthly.
Itโs worth noting that how you use Apple Maps plays a major role in how quickly it consumes your data. But clearly, Apple Maps uses more data than Google Maps. You can learn more about Google Maps data usage by reading this guide.
Also read: How to Turn Off Spoken Directions on Apple Maps
How long does 1GB of data last on Apple Maps?
Now that you know how much data Apple Maps consumes in an hour, itโs time to understand how long you can use it for navigation with a certain amount of data. For example, letโs say you have 1GB of data with your mobile plan.
As we mentioned earlier, an hour of Apple Maps usage consumes about 10MB of data. Therefore, with 1GB (1024MB) of data, you would get about 100 hours of navigation support through Apple Maps. In other words, youโre likely sorted for at least 4 and a half days of navigation in a new city with your 1GB data plan.
Again, thatโs quite a bit less compared to Google Maps, which offers about 15 to 20 days of Apple Maps usage time with 1GB of data. As a kind reminder, the navigation time you get on Apple Maps may vary depending on various factors, which we have discussed below.
Also read: How to use Apple Maps on Windows [Official Method]
Factors influencing Apple Maps data usage
1. Opening Apple Maps and zooming in and out
When you first open Apple Maps and search for a new place, it starts rendering the map of that area. Itโs no surprise, it does all that by consuming data.
Itโs worth noting that the more detailed the view you are looking at, the more data is used by Apple Maps. Thatโs also another reason why frequent zooming in and zooming out leads to significant data consumption.
2. Navigation
Moving on, navigation is possibly the most important factor influencing Apple Maps data usage. While you are driving and using Apple Maps, it uses data to display real-time traffic updates, route estimation, and re-routing.
Therefore, the data usage may vary depending on how long youโre planning to drive. In other words, if you are covering a short distance with the help of Apple Maps, it wonโt cost you much data.
Also read: iPhone Wonโt Connect to Apple CarPlay? Hereโs How to Fix
3. Exploring nearby places
Apple Maps is just as good for finding places to explore. So if you ever happen to search for nearby parks, eateries, or tourist attractions, Apple Maps gives you a detailed view, including reviews, ratings, and images. Practically speaking, youโre putting more load on the app, which increases data consumption.
4. Use of the satellite view map
Speaking of load, using a satellite view during navigation uses a lot of data, as it requires Apple Maps to render high-resolution 3D images of the places you search for. Therefore, itโs best to stick with the standard map view.
It’s also important to note that when you download a map for offline use, it requires data too. However, when you use offline maps, Apple Maps doesnโt use any data, as thatโs exactly what theyโre designed for.
How to reduce Apple Maps data usage
Although Apple Maps consumes relatively less data than other iPhone apps, you may still want to keep it in check. The good news is that we have a few handy tips and tricks for you to do the same.
- Make sure that you have an offline map downloaded for the area youโre planning to visit. Remember, itโs ideal to do it using a Wi-Fi network; this way, you can save a lot of mobile data.
- As we mentioned earlier, you should focus on using the standard map view rather than the satellite view.
- If allowed, try to adjust the refresh frequency for real-time data like traffic updates and more.
- For those who donโt actively use Apple Maps during their journey, itโs best to restrict the background activity of the app.
- Be sure to check Apple Maps data usage when youโre using it. It will give you an idea of how long itโll take before you run out of your precious mobile data.
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