Excessive map data usage starting with iOS 16

I have the same issue. Specifically using Apple Maps (the built in Apple Maps). Just today ~700 MB of data. I reset my cellular data statistics yesterday because I needed to understand why my phone was consuming GBs of data all of a sudden and it wasn’t clear where the data burn was coming from. I’ve had this phone for years and I have a very small data plan (2 GB per month) which I haven’t exceeded until now. The only change is iOS 16 and the data burn (so far) is Apple Maps. It’s not like I wasn’t using Apple Maps before…

I have noticed the same thing. Using Apple's Map app via CarPlay for 1 week with total of 4-5 hours of driving consumed 911 MB of data. Using Google Maps for about 7 hours of driving (including a long weekend trip) used 63 MB of data. That is more than a 10-fold difference in data usage with shorter and repetitive trips for Apple Maps.

I think that the new Apple Maps app has increased resolution in the map data. I have noticed it now has 3D models of certain buildings/landmarks. I am sure this is what is eating up all of the data. Unfortunately, there does not seem to be any option to disable these features. I would be willing to bet that all the Apple developers have unlimited data plans so, they are not thinking about how much cellular data is being used when updating the application.

Until Apple resolves this issue, I think the solution is to use a different mapping application, e.g. Google Maps.

I and my wife have the same issue now: iPhone 14 pro + IPhone 14 both have iOS16.

I can say that the apple maps app was the top cellular data consumer on both phones last month. For example, on my 14Pro it is 3.8 GB: 16 commute round trips (45 miles one way) through Seattle. The next app took only 1.4 GB (streaming). All settings were default. After turning off everything on maps (including Siri) except traffic, it didn't help much: 190 Mb one-way trip (45 miles -- 1 hr). It is insane! Even the database with all Seattle residents' names, phones, and car plates will take less data. :-) What is Apple trying down/upload (I don't know the exact direction) during every trip?

Yesterday we switched to Google maps: 10.6 Mb with default settings one-way of the same trip. Until the official bug fix, I will not come back.

Hi jake_doh,

Is this the Apple Maps app or a third-party GPS app? You can also check your current cellular data settings with the guide page here: View or change cellular data settings on iPhone

You can also check your permission settings with the help of the article here: Turn Location Services and GPS on or off on your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support

If a reset of your cellular data was done prior to recording the new usage (as it is cumulative reporting) reach out to Apple Support directly to further assist.

Contact - Official Apple Support

Contact Apple for support and service - Apple Support

Best.