Apple Maps is a lot cleaner but the only thing missing was the quality of the actual maps. Hopefully that has changed now.
It's true that Google gets to see them, but Apple is no better in that regard: they store your collections on their servers too (where else would they store them?).
End-to-end encryption
Maps keeps your personal data in sync across all your devices using end-to-end encryption. Your Significant Locations and collections are encrypted end-to-end so Apple cannot read them. And when you share your ETA with other Maps users, Apple can’t see your location.
Other useful sections on that page worth reading: "Location Fuzzing", "Random Identifiers", and "(on-device) Personalization"
Don't spread misinformation on privacy, it'll mislead people into sharing too much data.
I would have assumed that shared collections with a group of iCloud accounts would be e2e encrypted like iMessage groups are e2e encrypted. Glad to revisit that assumption.
Disc: Googler but nowhere close to Maps.
Regarding the prompt, it's always on in the search screen but starting a search makes it go away.
Apple maps may not be quite as good (the lack of cycling in my neck of the woods is annoying) but at least it's not trying to crash my car.
"We've found you a faster route. Switching in 10 seconds if you don't press 'no thanks'..."
Come on, Google, there's a semi truck braking in front of me and I'm trying to make sure it's safe to change lanes, can this wait?
But the "is [reported hazard] still here?" bubbles don't bother me as much, since they go away after a few seconds. I think all of the cues are intended for passengers who are navigating for someone else, but the developers should keep in mind that some people use their phones as a standalone GPS navigator.