Apple Maps does not have a Street View feature like Google Maps does

Apple Maps shows you maps, satellite imagery, and 3D views of cities, but it does not let you see ground-level photographs of streets the way Google Street View does. If you are looking for that street-level perspective — to see what a neighborhood actually looks like, check an address before visiting, or explore a location from your desk — you will need to use a different app or service.

This is a real limitation if street-level imagery matters for what you are trying to do. Apple has not announced plans to add this feature, so it is not coming soon. The good news is that other free tools work well on both iPhone and Android, and some are built into services you may already use.

Key Takeaways

  • Apple Maps offers satellite view and 3D city views but no street-level photographs like Google Street View provides.
  • Google Maps Street View is free and works on iPhone, Android, and desktop computers.
  • Bing Maps also has street-level imagery and is available on all devices.
  • You can switch between Apple Maps and other apps without losing your location or search results.

Google Maps Street View works on every device

Google Maps Street View is the most complete street-level photography tool available. You can see ground-level images of most streets in the United States, many streets in Europe and Asia, and growing coverage in other regions. On iPhone, open Google Maps, search for an address, and tap the preview image at the bottom — then swipe up to see Street View. On Android, the process is the same. On a computer, search the address and click the Street View icon (it looks like a person) on the left side of the map.

Street View shows you what the street actually looks like: building fronts, storefronts, trees, sidewalk conditions, parking situations. You can look around in all directions and move forward and backward along the street. The imagery updates periodically but is not always current — some areas may be a year or two old, while others are more recent.

Bing Maps has street-level imagery as an alternative

Microsoft's Bing Maps includes street-level imagery called Streetside. Coverage is less complete than Google's — it focuses more on North America and Western Europe — but it works well in urban and suburban areas. On a computer, search an address in Bing Maps and look for the Streetside button. On mobile, the feature is available but less prominent; you may need to tap the layers icon to find it.

Bing's imagery sometimes comes from different time periods than Google's, so if you are checking a specific location, looking at both can give you a more complete picture. The interface is similar to Google Street View: you can pan around and move along the street.

Apple's 3D city view is useful but not the same as street level

Apple Maps does offer 3D views of major cities — you can tilt and rotate the map to see buildings in three dimensions. This is visually impressive and helps you understand the shape and scale of a neighborhood. But it is not street-level photography. You are looking down at the city from above, not standing on the sidewalk looking around. For getting a sense of what it feels like to actually be on a street, 3D view does not replace Street View.

The 3D view is built into Apple Maps on iPhone, iPad, and Mac. Open Apple Maps, zoom in on a major city, and tilt the map by placing two fingers on the screen and dragging upward. On Mac, use two fingers on the trackpad the same way.

Switching between apps does not lose your search

You do not have to choose one map app and stick with it. If you are using Apple Maps and want to see Street View, you can copy the address and paste it into Google Maps — or use a shortcut. On iPhone, open Apple Maps, search your address, tap the information icon (the "i" in a circle), scroll down, and tap "Open in Google Maps" if that option appears. On Android, the process is similar but varies by phone model.

Alternatively, you can search the address in Apple Maps first, note the location, and then open Google Maps and search it there. This takes an extra 30 seconds but works on any device. Your location history and saved places stay in each app separately, so switching between them does not affect your data.

Street View works offline on Google Maps if you read it first

Google Maps lets you read maps of specific areas to use without an internet connection. Street View imagery is included in these downloads on Android (the feature is more limited on iPhone). If you know you will be in an area without reliable data, you can read the map and Street View images ahead of time. Open Google Maps, search the area, tap your profile icon, go to "Offline maps," and follow the prompts to read.

The read takes up storage space — a large city area might use 100 to 500 megabytes — so plan accordingly. Street View offline is most useful if you are traveling internationally or going to a remote area where you want to preview streets before you arrive.

Why Apple Maps does not have Street View

Apple has chosen to build its own mapping data rather than license Google's. This means Apple Maps uses Apple's own satellite imagery, traffic data, and navigation. Street View requires collecting ground-level photographs systematically across entire regions — a massive ongoing project that Google has been doing for nearly 20 years. Apple has not invested in this the same way, likely because the company prioritizes navigation and real-time traffic over street-level exploration.

Apple's focus is on getting you where you are going, not on letting you explore before you go. For that reason, Apple Maps is strong on turn-by-turn directions and traffic alerts but weak on the kind of browsing and preview that Street View enables. If street-level imagery is important to you, using Google Maps or Bing Maps alongside Apple Maps is the practical solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I see Street View on Apple Maps if I update to the latest version?

No. Street View is not a feature in Apple Maps and has not been added in recent updates. Apple has not announced plans to add it. If you need street-level imagery, you will need to use Google Maps or Bing Maps.

Does Google Street View cost money?

No. Google Street View is free on Google Maps, which is free on all devices. You do not need a Google account to use it, though having one lets you save places and view your search history.

Is Street View imagery current?

Street View imagery is updated periodically, but not constantly. Some areas are updated every few years, while others may not change for longer. The date of the imagery is usually shown in the Street View window. Imagery is typically a few months to a few years old, depending on the location.

Can I use Apple Maps and Google Maps at the same time?

You can have both apps installed and switch between them. You cannot view them side by side on most phones, but you can copy an address from one and paste it into the other in about 30 seconds. Many people use Apple Maps for navigation and Google Maps for exploration and Street View.

What if I want to see a street but Street View does not cover it?

Coverage varies by region. Rural areas, small towns, and some countries have limited or no Street View coverage. If an address is not covered, Google Maps will tell you. In that case, satellite view or 3D view in Apple Maps may give you some sense of the area, but you will not see ground-level detail.