Apple Maps uses mobile data to load maps, update traffic information, and guide you while navigating. The amount of data it uses varies depending on how often you use the app, the type of map view, and whether you download routes in advance. Knowing this helps you manage your data more efficiently, especially when traveling abroad or using a limited plan.
How much data does Apple Maps use?
Apple Maps uses mobile data to download maps, update traffic conditions, and provide turn-by-turn navigation. Under typical conditions, it consumes about 1 MB of data for every 10 miles (16 kilometers). This means that a four-hour highway trip at around 60 miles (96 kilometers) per hour would use approximately 24 MB of data.
Actual data usage can vary depending on factors such as driving speed, route complexity, and the map features in use. Satellite or 3D views, frequent rerouting, and live traffic updates typically increase data consumption. In most cases, Apple Maps requires around 5 MB to 10 MB of data per hour of driving. Network quality, signal strength, and device performance can also affect overall data usage.
Disclaimer: Data usage may vary depending on your device settings, network quality, and how you use Apple Maps.
How Apple Maps Works
Apple Maps operates through a combination of GPS positioning, Apple’s mapping database, and live data services. These elements work together to deliver accurate navigation, traffic information, and detailed map visuals in supported regions.
GPS (Global Positioning System): This technology identifies your location by connecting to satellites. GPS itself does not use mobile data, but it allows Apple Maps to calculate your position and route accurately.
Internet Connection (Mobile Data or Wi-Fi): An internet connection is needed to download map details, search for places, update routes, and display live traffic information. Without access to mobile data or Wi-Fi, Apple Maps can only display areas that have been previously loaded.
Map Data and Dynamic Loading: Apple Maps uses modern map data that loads in segments as you move. These map sections, often called tiles, are designed to update efficiently while you navigate. As you travel, new areas are downloaded automatically in the background.
Live Services and Updates: Real-time features such as traffic conditions, public transit information, and rerouting rely on Apple’s live data services. These updates help reflect current road conditions and improve route accuracy.
Note: Apple Maps temporarily stores some map information on your device so that previously viewed areas can load faster. However, new routes, searches, or live updates still require an active internet connection to remain accurate and up to date. [1]
Which Apple Maps Features Use Data?
Each feature in Apple Maps uses mobile data in different ways. The amount of data required depends on how you interact with the app, the type of view you choose, and the features you enable.
Loading and refreshing maps: When you open Apple Maps or explore new areas, the app downloads map data from Apple’s servers. Areas you’ve already viewed may load faster because some data can be temporarily stored on your device.
Panning and zooming: Moving around the map or zooming in for more detail prompts Apple Maps to download additional map segments. The more you explore or adjust the map’s detail level, the more data the app will use.
Navigation and directions: GPS determines your location without using data, but Apple Maps relies on an internet connection to calculate routes, update directions, and display traffic information. These functions typically use several megabytes per hour, depending on route length and traffic conditions.
Satellite and 3D views: Switching to satellite imagery or 3D mode generally increases data usage because these modes load higher-resolution images and extra map layers. This is consistent with Apple’s use of detailed visual data for realistic rendering.
Traffic and transit updates: Real-time traffic, public transport data, and rerouting updates depend on continuous data exchange with Apple’s servers. These live services can raise overall data consumption during navigation.
Search and place information: When you search for destinations, businesses, or landmarks, Apple Maps connects to Apple’s servers to download search results, photos, and place details. Each new search or location preview uses additional data.
How Much Data Does Apple Maps Use Per Hour?
The amount of mobile data Apple Maps uses depends on how you navigate, the map view you choose, and the live features you enable. Apple does not publish official figures, but independent tests and user reports provide the following general estimates:
Standard navigation (map view only): Around 5–10 MB per hour under typical conditions.
Navigation with live traffic or public transit updates: Approximately 8–12 MB per hour, depending on how frequently routes or traffic information are updated.
Satellite or 3D map view: May reach 15–20 MB per hour or higher, since these modes use detailed, high-resolution imagery and additional data layers.
Disclaimer: These figures are based on independent testing and user observations rather than official Apple data. Actual data usage will vary depending on your route, map detail settings, network quality, and how you use Apple Maps.
How to Track Apple Maps Data Usage
You can easily check how much mobile data Apple Maps uses directly from your iPhone settings. Follow these steps:
Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
Tap Cellular (or Mobile Data, depending on your region).
Scroll down to find Maps in the list of apps.
The number shown next to Maps indicates how much mobile data the app has used during the current tracking period.
To measure the data used during a specific trip, you can reset the statistics before you start navigating:
In the Cellular settings, scroll to the bottom and tap Reset Statistics.
Confirm the reset to clear previous data usage records
Start your Apple Maps navigation.
After the trip, return to the Cellular section to see how much data Apple Maps used. [2]
Note: Resetting statistics affects all apps, not just Apple Maps. It’s a useful method if you want to monitor usage accurately for a single trip or time period.
How to Reduce Apple Maps Mobile Data Usage
If you’re on a limited data plan or traveling internationally, there are a few practical ways to minimize how much data Apple Maps uses.
Preload Your Route Over Wi-Fi
Before starting your trip, open Apple Maps while connected to Wi-Fi and preview your route.
The app temporarily stores map data for your journey, reducing the need to download new information later.
This acts as a partial offline mode, though live features like traffic and rerouting will still use some data.
Download Maps for Offline Use
Apple Maps supports offline maps on iPhones running iOS 17 or later. You can download selected areas to use without a mobile data connection.
To download maps:
Open the Apple Maps app.
Search for your destination.
Tap More (…) or swipe up on the location card.
Choose Download Map.
Adjust the map area, then tap Download
Once downloaded, you can navigate and get directions offline, but availability may vary by region.
Adjust Settings to Limit Data Use
You can also reduce background data consumption by customizing your iPhone and Apple Maps settings.
Turn off layers such as Weather and Air Quality Index.
Disable Live Traffic Updates if you don’t need constant rerouting.
Turn on Low Data Mode (Settings → Cellular → Cellular Data Options → Low Data Mode).
Use Wi-Fi whenever possible to load routes and map sections in advance.
How to Use Apple Maps Abroad with Roamless eSIM
Using Apple Maps while traveling abroad can quickly consume mobile data and lead to expensive roaming charges if you stay connected to your local carrier. A practical and cost-effective solution is to use a global eSIM such as Roamless. Setting it up correctly ensures that Apple Maps and other online apps function reliably during your trip. Here are a few simple steps to help you get started:
1. Activate your Roamless eSIM
Connect your device to a stable Wi-Fi network.
Open the Roamless app and tap Activate Now.
Follow the on-screen steps to install and activate your eSIM profile.
After activation, rename your eSIM as “Roamless” if needed.
2. Set Roamless as your data line for Apple Maps
On iPhone:
Go to Settings → Cellular → SIMs → Select Roamless.
Turn on Data Roaming for the Roamless eSIM.
Set Roamless as the default line for mobile data.
Turn off Data Roaming on your primary SIM to avoid accidental charges.
Roamless’s pay as you go data plans are ideal for Apple Maps users traveling abroad. It allows you to manage your data flexibly and choose the amount that fits your travel needs, whether for a short trip or extended navigation. You can purchase the plan directly from the Roamless app before your trip.
In addition, You can open the Roamless app and enter a valid promo code at checkout. To get the latest offers and extra data on your first purchase, visit our eSIM promo code page.
For more information, you can read our post on How to Avoid Roaming Charges.
FAQ
Does Apple Maps App Use a Lot of Data?
No, Apple Maps does not use a large amount of mobile data. Under normal conditions, it typically consumes about 5–10 MB per hour of navigation.
Disclaimer: Data usage may vary depending on how you use the app and which features are active. Using satellite or 3D view, zooming frequently, or receiving live traffic updates can increase data consumption slightly. For most users, Apple Maps represents only a small portion of their overall mobile data usage.
Can You Use Apple Maps Without Mobile Data?
Yes, you can use Apple Maps without mobile data by downloading maps in advance. On iPhones running iOS 17 or later, Apple Maps allows you to download offline maps over Wi-Fi and access turn-by-turn directions without an internet connection. Real-time updates like traffic, rerouting, or new searches still require mobile data.
Which App Uses More Data Apple Maps or Google Maps?
Apple Maps and Google Maps use similar amounts of data for standard navigation, typically around 5–10 MB per hour. Google Maps may use slightly more when displaying satellite imagery or Street View, while Apple Maps is generally more data-efficient in its standard map mode.
How Does Apple Maps Work Offline?
Apple Maps works effectively offline for basic navigation if the route or area is downloaded beforehand. You can still use turn-by-turn directions and view saved locations, but live traffic and updated routes are unavailable without a data connection.
Does Apple Maps Use Mobile Data on iPhone?
Yes. Apple Maps uses mobile data to load maps, calculate routes, and display real-time traffic. If Background App Refresh is turned on, it may also use data when running in the background. You can check or limit usage under Settings → Cellular → Maps.
Does Apple Maps Use Mobile Data on iPad?
Yes. On cellular-enabled iPads, Apple Maps uses mobile data for navigation and map updates. Wi-Fi–only iPads require a network connection for these features but can still use offline maps if downloaded in advance.
Sources:
[1] Apple Inc. (2023). Download maps to use offline on your iPhone. Apple Support. https://support.apple.com/en-euro/105084
[2] Apple Inc. (2024). Check your cellular data usage on iPhone. Apple Support. https://support.apple.com/en-us/109323
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