Apple Maps was originally released in 2012 as a replacement for Google Maps, which had previously been the default mapping service on Apple products. At launch, Apple Maps was heavily criticized for inaccuracies and errors, leading Tim Cook to apologize and promise to improve the service.
Since then, Apple has made significant improvements to Apple Maps, building in new features and correcting lingering errors. Real-time traffic information and navigation options for pedestrians were added to Maps in 2013, which is also the same year Maps was extended to OS X. In 2015, Maps was updated with "Nearby," a feature that offers up local points of interest and transit directions in a handful of cities.
In early 2020, Apple completed a complete overhaul of its maps in the United States, featuring significantly greater detail including updated building massing, parks, sports field, pools, and more. A new Look Around feature in select cities is similar to Google's Street View, and the updated maps will be rolling out to more countries going forward.