The new version of the app offers live road traffic and accident reports for the first time, as well as indoor directions for navigating large spaces like airports and shopping centres.
Google announced a Maps upgrade for Android devices last week, concluding that an Apple update would be available 'soon'. The move is likely to be well received by users, as many were frustrated at Google Maps' previously inavailability for iPad. Prior to this launch, users had to navigate using a scaled-up version of the iPhone Maps app, which distorted the map images and text.
Many of the updated features are identical to the Android upgrade, marking Google's cross-platform ambitions.
The iPad interface resembles the Google Maps desktop app more closely, whilst adopting the card-based information system successfully deployed across mobile platforms as 'Google Now'.
The Explore function is one of the new additions, an extra-swipeable interface enabling users to "browse and discover new places without typing", locating new places to sleep, eat, drink and shop.
Zagat, a reviews service bought by Google and displaying expert opinion and badges of excellence, is now integrated into search results, alongside a five-star rating system displaying your friends' and others' reviews of nearby bars, cafes and restaurants.
Maps will now also allow users to search for restaurants and shops with specific offers available, which will boast a blue tag next to the business name or pin on the map. Swiping the location will bring up more details, and tapping the offer will save to your Google account to use later.
Typing 'OK maps' into the search bar saves the visible map area to the iPhone or iPad, a handy method of caching the map to use when out of internet service range.
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