Apple Maps just tipped for upgrade that one-ups Google Maps Tom's Guide Skip to main content Tom's Guide is supported by its audience. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here's why you can trust us. Apple Maps just tipped for upgrade that one-ups Google Maps By Tom Pritchard published 29 June 2022 Apple Maps may start optimizing routes for e-bikes (Image credit: Shutterstock) The cycling support on Apple Maps is not the best. Certainly not compared to Google Maps, which offers a much higher number bike-friendly routes - and some support for e-bikes. That might be about to change, though, thanks to some references found in the Apple Maps code. The new code lines were discovered by journalist and iOS app developer Steve Moser (opens in new tab), who spotted a bunch of lines referencing the phrase "E-Bike" as well as a feature that optimizes routes and ETAs for people using them. Apple is working on e-bike routing in Apple Maps. "Optimize routes and ETAs for powered bicycles. pic.twitter.com/0oBdf5CCBHJune 22, 2022See more Unfortunately, these features are not currently available in Apple Maps, suggesting there's still work to be done. How much work isn't clear, and for all we know this could be the very early stages of testing - and we may not be able to try it out for ourselves for some time. It's not clear how much difference there would be between routes for e-bikes and route for regular non-powered bicycles. We suspect that e-bike directions might be willing to send users up steeper inclines, and avoid sending them down trails and unpaved paths. But we won't know for sure until the feature launches - if it does. But this is the kind of feature we'd hope to see sooner rather than later, as it could prove very useful as consumers try and save money wherever possible. It's one thing to know how to find cheap gas, and another to actually pay for it when the national average is currently $4.86 a gallon (opens in new tab). If you can't afford to buy an electric car, or supply chain issues mean a suitable model isn't available, then cycling is a viable alternative. E-bikes help ease the physical burden of getting around on two wheels - without adding too many dollars to the price tag. Google Maps doesn't appear to specifically optimize routes for e-bikes compared to ordinary bikes. However, the app does offer features that make e-bike (and e-scooter) rental much easier in key cities across the world. That includes guiding you to rental spots, offering price and range estimates, alongside information on journey time and your ETA. Here's hoping that Apple Maps can start offering similar sorts of features, alongside whatever other e-bike support might be on the way in the not-too-distant future. At the very least I hope the company can expand its cycling support, because following a car-friendly route isn't always a particularly good idea; it's less safe than a dedicated cycle route, likely more congested and more polluted. In the meantime, if you're interested in picking up an electric bike to reduce your transportation costs (and have an excuse to avoid the gym) we have some recommendations. Be sure to check out our list of the best electric bikes, if you want the best of the best, or the best budget electric bikes if you want to pick up something that costs less than $1,500. Next up: The iPhone 14 Pro and Pro Max just got tipped for a serious price hike. And this is the most underrated iOS 16 feature (opens in new tab). Today's best Electric Bikes dealsReduced Price (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$499.99 (opens in new tab)$399.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$449.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)Reduced Price (opens in new tab) (opens in new tab)$999.99 (opens in new tab)$949.99 (opens in new tab)View (opens in new tab)Show More DealsWe check over 250 million products every day for the best prices Be In the Know Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips. Tom PritchardAutomotive EditorTom is the Tom's Guide's Automotive Editor, which means he can usually be found knee deep in stats the latest and best electric cars, or checking out some sort of driving gadget. It's long way from his days as editor of Gizmodo UK, when pretty much everything was on the table. He's usually found trying to squeeze another giant Lego set onto the shelf, draining very large cups of coffee, or complaining that Ikea won't let him buy the stuff he really needs online. Topics Apple Apps See all comments (0) No comments yet Comment from the forums MOST READMOST SHARED1Pixel 7 Photo Unblur could be a game changer - here's how it works2Prime Early Access Sale – why it could be the perfect opportunity to break free from your ISP3Why are Netflix's top movies so bad?4Google Pixel Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Which will be the better smartwatch?5iPhone 14 vs iPhone 11: Should you upgrade?1Pixel 7 Photo Unblur could be a game changer - here's how it works2Prime Early Access Sale – why it could be the perfect opportunity to break free from your ISP3Why are Netflix's top movies so bad?4Google Pixel Watch vs. Apple Watch Series 8: Which will be the better smartwatch?5iPhone 14 vs iPhone 11: Should you upgrade?