Google has updated its Google Maps for iOS to the Google Maps version 1.1 with some exciting new feature, and making it tougher for Apple to give it a competition with Apple Maps.

This is the first time Google has update its maps service for Apple devices after it launched the service in December last year.

With the Google Maps 1.1 iOS users will now get dedicated search icons which will lead them to bars, restaurants, cafes and gas stations.

Google Maps for Android devices already has these kinds of buttons but they are put in the 'Local' category. But, in the iOS version, Google has shown these icons right in the top panel so users will not have to spend much time in searching for favorite local places of hangouts.

The latest version of Google Maps for iOS lets you use this app as your search engine for your contacts too. If you use Google Contacts in the app, you will be able to call up a restaurant or a pub to reserve your table by calling the place even if you don't have the number saved in your phone.

One more thing included in the latest version is an English version of the app for iOS users in Bahrain, Egypt, Lebanon, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE.

What's New in Version 1.1

* Search your Google Contacts; sign in to have your saved addresses show up when you search for friends and family by name.
* Quickly search for local places by selecting popular categories such as restaurants, bars, cafes, gas stations, etc.
* Choose between Kilometers or Miles for your preferred distance units.
* Note that some features may not be available in all countries.

With Google improving the Maps application for iOS, Apple should also get ready for a big battle if it really wants to take Google Maps from its next iOS.