Everyone has their favorite navigation app, let’s be honest. One of the biggest rivalries has been between Google Maps and Waze, both popular choices for vehicles that use Android Auto. Waze has often come out on top in navigation due to its ability to get you to your destination as quickly as possible. Meanwhile, Google Maps offers much more useful road details to help guide you in an unfamiliar area. However, many Waze users have noticed that one of those details has carried over from Google Maps in the last few weeks.
Traffic lights have appeared on some Waze maps. The traffic light appears as a small icon on the map, indicating the location of the intersection. However, it doesn’t indicate the color of the light. This is a particularly useful feature at busy intersections and other high-traffic areas, allowing drivers to prepare by slowing down. Knowing if you need to get into a certain lane ahead of time for a turn is a huge benefit.
Not everyone is seeing the traffic lights just yet. The new update is rolling out to users over time. Waze has not shared any information about the traffic light update timeline, but it appears to be based on user and location. However, the update is still promising — and some Google Maps users have even considered switching now that Waze offers this useful feature.
Does Apple Maps have traffic lights?
Even though Apple Maps is often left out of the conversation, it has many of the same desired features as Google Maps and Waze. It filed a patent application for routing based on traffic lights and stop signs in 2024 and has featured them for a while now, even using them to determine the fastest route for drivers. Other improvements over the last few years include turn-by-turn directions and 3D buildings.
Despite this, drivers seem to favor other navigation apps over Apple’s. One of the biggest ongoing complaints is the seemingly outdated maps, making Apple Maps less reliable than the competition. Another source of frustration is an upcoming update that will bring ads to the app. Businesses will be able to advertise themselves when drivers search for restaurants, hotels, and other services, in hopes of inspiring a last-minute decision. This resulted in major backlash from Apple Maps users, even though Google Maps also features similar advertisements.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
