In those early days, Apple's Maps had problems, from missing to mislabeled places to a lack of basic features like turn-by-turn directions. These features were eventually added, but they were not good. I remember asking the app for a route and seeing immediately that it had added absurd detours, for example.

Both Google Maps and Apple Maps are highly accurate. You should have no problem getting from point A to point B with either app. Both are great at identifying traffic, making time estimates and flagging road closures. Google has a slight edge when it comes to the accuracy of business information.

Red pins appear in Maps if you search for an address, or if you you tap on an address in your Contacts. To remove the pin from a search, tap on the X to the right of the search box at the top of the map.