this post was submitted on 30 May 2024
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27
Private way to use Google Maps on iOS (lemmy.world)
submitted 5 months ago by [email protected] to c/[email protected]
16 comments fedilink hide all child comments
 

Hello everyone! Long story short, I switched from CalyxOS to iOS because the Pixel 5 was too big for me.

Now that I'm on iOS, I'd like to know if there was a way to use google maps anonymously/privately.

I used to use the GMapsViewer application on Fdroid. Today the solution I've found is to use Firefox focus and go to the Google Maps site, but it's a bit of a mess to find a simple address.

Do you have another idea for me? Thanks in advance!

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[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

I haven’t tried magic earth yet but I used organic maps https://apps.apple.com/au/app/organic-maps-offline-hike-bike/id1567437057 and it is also available for iOS. With organic maps there’s no login needed and you can also save some locations as favourites and if you switch your device you can export the favourites list.

The most private I’m using google maps on iOS is without logging in. I’m not sure if there’s any difference between the app and using it in the browser.

Also, despite Apple saying that having the location and Bluetooth turned on isn’t affecting the battery life I still prefer to turn them completely off when I don’t use them so I made some shortcuts using the shortcut app.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 5 months ago (1 children)

sorry bro but you're using Apple hardware and Google software. Don't try to worm your way out of these abysmal choices🤣

[–] [email protected] 8 points 5 months ago (2 children)

I didn't want to justify my choice, but I have a slight handicap in my hand that prevents me from using large smartphones easily. (Malformation of the little finger)

Try and find me an Android phone the size of my iPhone 13 mini were you can put a privacy friendly os, and yes, we'll talk.

I've been on CalyxOs for over two years, but the pixels are too big, so the iPhone 13 mini was the best compromise for my privacy and my disability.

I know it's not perfect, but that's no reason to criticise it gratuitously without knowing the context.

What's more, Apple Maps in France isn't very effective, so it's not a convincing alternative.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

Hey, one option I could think of was the Moto G7 by Motorola. It is slightly bigger than the iPhone 13 mini (6.18 x 2.96 x 0.31 in), but it is supported by Lineage OS.

It's actually my personal device of choice, and it works pretty well with Lineage. I have smaller hands, so it is perfect too.

Did you ever try looking into this specific model?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 5 months ago

check lineage OS

[–] [email protected] 4 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Why not just use Apple Maps for now, until you find one that works better for you?

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago (3 children)

Sadly in France, no one use Apple Maps. (Like iMessage haha, I know it’s a big thing in USA but not in europe)

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago

Perso j'utilise Apple Maps pour trouver des points d'intérêt (restos, essence, etc) autour de moi et ça marche très bien ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Ce n'est pas important que peu de gens l'utilise tant que la base de données d'Apple est à jour. Ce n'est pas comme si tu l'utilisais pour de l'info-trafic.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago

Try it. For me it works better than Google Maps. Another option to consider is Organic Maps.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago

But why do you care if someone else is using it or not..? It’s more privacy centric than Google at least.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Not possible. There is no “private” way to use any Google service.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago (1 children)

There is. At least for YouTube.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 5 months ago

I guess you're talking about individous? Still not fully private, you're still in a pool of users also using that instance

[–] [email protected] 26 points 5 months ago (1 children)

Sorry for being “that guy”. But don’t use google maps if your primary concern is privacy?

Try magic earth

They use Open Street Maps instead both they and Apple say the app does not send your data back to them.

[–] [email protected] 8 points 5 months ago (1 children)

I've been using Magic Earth for daily navigation for 5 years now and I love it! However, when it comes to finding up-to-date points of interest, historical sites, obtaining opening times for certain places, etc., etc., it's mission impossible… This is why I m asking 😉

[–] [email protected] 3 points 5 months ago

I struggle with this too because the (and I will age myself with this phrase) yellow pages features baked into maps is one of the most helpful tools Google ever melded together. The removal of those extra clicks and copy and paste make it a pain to move from. I try and help with Open Street Maps, but the sheer volume of data is hard to overcome.