Google Maps, Waze & Apple Maps put to shame by Chinese navigation app which shows live countdowns for traffic lights you haven't reached yet
Published on Sep 23, 2026 at 8:15 PM (UTC+4)
by Alessandro Renesis
Last updated on Sep 23, 2026 at 8:15 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by
Alessandro Renesis
We’ve been talking about the debate between navigation apps like Google Maps, Waze, and Apple Maps for ages, but now there’s a new player in the game.
And it’s a very serious player.
The newest navigation app, called AMap, comes from China.
And it apparently includes features that its rivals either couldn’t or wouldn’t add.
The reason why this debate is so ‘passionate’
The internet has ‘unlocked’ dynamics that we didn’t know were there.
Somehow, the internet can turn almost any tool into a fierce argument.
Sports, politics, and of course Google Maps versus Apple Maps.
And we get it, navigating is important and people want to make sure they’re using the most reliable maps app.
Especially now that Apple Maps is getting so much better compared to the early days.
And especially now that Waze is owned by Google, which some people argue creates somewhat a bit of a conflict of interest.
And then there’s this new app, which will certainly fuel the debate even further.
This navigation app will even show traffic light countdowns
Developed by AutoNavi, AMap is quickly becoming one of China’s major navigation apps.
Among other things, it shows live traffic light countdowns, so you know in advance how long before the light turns green or red.
In addition to showing you how many seconds remain before the light changes, it also shows traffic conditions and lane guidance.
The feature uses traffic signal and road data available through connected transport infrastructure, displaying that information directly on your phone.
They call it V2X, which stands for Vehicle-to-Everything.
Smart cities link municipal traffic control systems directly with the software in these apps.
As some people may know, none of the apps we use every day in Europe, the US and other regions are available in China.
This means no Google Maps, no Waze, no Apple Maps.
At this point, we’d normally say we’re curious to see what Chinese app users argue about on Reddit.
But Reddit is not available in China, either.
Alessandro is an automotive journalist with 10 years of experience covering supercars, automotive history, emerging vehicle technology, and luxury transportation. He wrote the first article published on SupercarBlondie.com when the website launched in 2022 and has since built a reputation for insightful reporting across the automotive and transportation industries. His expertise is grounded in hands-on experience. Alessandro has driven every Tesla model ever produced, from the original Roadster to the Cybertruck, and regularly covers the latest developments in electric vehicles and automotive innovation. His passion for transportation extends beyond cars, he has even flown a Boeing 787 Dreamliner simulator in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. His reporting spans everything from classic American muscle cars and rare automotive discoveries to luxury yachts, private aircraft, high-end watches, and cutting-edge vehicle technology. Known for his deep knowledge of automotive history and ability to uncover the stories behind iconic vehicles, Alessandro brings readers a blend of historical context, technical expertise, and first-hand experience.
