Smart Maps vs AP Transit
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Smart Maps
Create, explore, and share custom maps using AI and extensive U.S. Census data. Experience enhanced navigation with CarPlay integration. Discover maps made by a community of users.
- Proprietary U.S. Census data layers
- AI-powered map creation
- Map sharing functionality
- CarPlay integration
- Community map exploration
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- Explore our proprietary layers, including hundreds derived from U.S. Census data - Create your own maps - Share your maps with others - Experience CarPlay and Navigation like never before - Explore maps that others have created
AP Transit
This app provides a real-time digital map of the New York City subway system. It uses live data to display current and upcoming service, train locations, and station information, helping riders navigate the transit network.
- Real-time subway map
- Live service updates
- Upcoming train times
- Train location tracking
- Station access points
- Transfer tunnel information
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AP Transit — NYC Subway Map AP Transit is a modern, real-time map for the New York City subway, built for speed and clarity. Open it and instantly see where every train is, when it arrives, and how reliable that arrival really is — all on a smooth, animated map. WHY AP TRANSIT • 3D live map — trains move along the lines in real time, right on the map • Real-time tracking — see trains as they actually run, not just the scheduled timetable • ETA + service status — clear reliability labels on every train, so you know which arrivals to trust • Transfer-by-car map — see which car to stand in to make your transfer faster • Subway exits map — find the right exit before you step off, no guessing • In-app chat — share live updates and tips with other riders at your station MORE FEATURES • Live service status and alerts for every line, with our own delay detection alongside official MTA alerts • Save favorite stations and lines for one-tap access • Station entrances, exits, and accessibility (ADA) information • PATH train (NJ), MNR, LIRR, Ferry and JFK AirTrain coverage, not just the subway • Multiple map themes, including dark mode • Full multi-language support (English, Español, Русский, Українська, 한국어, 中文) • Built to keep working through spotty underground connections • No ads — ever Every transit feature is free. AP PLUS (OPTIONAL) AP Plus is an optional auto-renewable subscription that adds personalization — extra map themes, an alternate app icon, and a chat nickname — and helps support ongoing development. It is completely optional; nothing in the core transit experience is locked behind it. Subscription options: • AP Plus Monthly — $2.99 per month • AP Plus Yearly — $29.99 per year (about $2.50 per month) Payment will be charged to your Apple ID account at confirmation of purchase. The subscription automatically renews unless it is canceled at least 24 hours before the end of the current period. Your account will be charged for renewal within 24 hours prior to the end of the current period. You can manage or cancel your subscription anytime in your Apple ID Account Settings. Privacy Policy: https://aptransit.co/privacy Terms of Use (EULA): https://aptransit.co/terms
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is review sentiment: AP Transit at 94% against Smart Maps's 45%. AP Transit also leads on rating (4.8 vs 4.0) and monetization model (free vs free with in-app purchases). Smart Maps's advantage is update cadence (every 6 days vs every 2 months) and chart position (#161 vs unranked). On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. Smart Maps sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $9.99 per month and AP Transit sells 2 in-app purchases, starting at $2.99 per month. Whichever you choose, the download price is not the number that matters.
AP Transit holds the better App Store score, 4.8 against 4.0. That said, the two scores are not equally well evidenced: AP Transit has 104 ratings behind it against 20, so its average is the more settled of the two. Written reviews point the same way: 45% of Smart Maps's written reviews are positive against 94% of AP Transit's.
Smart Maps ships an update every 6 days, AP Transit every 2 months. The most recent releases landed on November 12, 2026 and November 8, 2026 respectively.
| Parameter | Smart Maps | AP Transit |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.0 (20 ratings) | 4.8 (104 ratings) — better |
| Positive reviews | 45.5% of reviews | 93.5% of reviews — better |
| Number of ratings | 20 | 104 — better |
| Update frequency | Every 6 days — better | Every 2 months |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | Yes | Yes |
| Monetization | Free with in-app purchases | Free — better |
| Best chart rank | #161 — better | — |
| Devices | iPhone, iPad | iPhone, iPad, iPod — better |
| Requires iOS | 16.4 | 15.6 — better |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 171 MB | 23 MB |
| Age rating | 4+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Lucas Rugar | Aleksandr Pozharov |
Customer experience
Smart Maps
AP Transit
Bugs and requests
Smart Maps
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
AP Transit
Reported bugs
3 issues- Blank white screen after update
- Persistent background location tracking
- Menu item to resize widgets greyed out
Requested features
4 requests- Add bus tracking
- Option to track a single line
- Larger widget option
- Show uptown/downtown direction on widget
In-app purchases
Smart Maps
- Smart Maps Plus$9.991 Month
- Smart Maps Plus Annual$59.991 Year
AP Transit
- AP Plus - Monthly$2.991 Month
- AP Plus - Annual$29.991 Year
