How to Make Google Maps the Default iOS Maps App

Many Apple Maps users breathed a sigh of relief when Google finally launched their own stand-alone Google Maps app for iOS. The problem is that even with Google Maps installed, iOS 6 will always default to the stock maps application when a link is clicked or other navigational features are needed. It's no surprise that developer HASHBANG Productions has released a solution for jailbroken devices.

MapsOpener tweak Cydia

The Cydia tweak is called MapsOpener, and once installed the tweak will open all maps links accessed within a browser in Google Maps instead of the Apple version. iOS currently has no built-in settings that allow the user to choose which apps they prefer to use as a default. This leaves iPhone owners using stock apps for several functions where other alternatives are available.

MapsOpener requires that Google Maps be installed on your jailbroken device, and the tweak will add no icons to the home screen. There are no settings to configure. You can download MapsOpener from the BigBoss repo on Cydia free of charge.

Google Maps is also free, and features turn-by-turn navigation and the popular Street View and transit direction options missing from Apple Maps. Google Maps requires iOS 5.1 or later and is optimized for the iPhone 5 display.

Comments

Sadly, this does not work for "Open in Maps" feature in Find my friends. I had to go back to 5.1.1 because apple maps does not have "get directions" in my country and many countries for that matter!!!

Same here, it does not work for me either. Shame.