Apple has finally decided to completely revamp Apple Maps and decided to build it from scratch after it was first introduced in 2012. The launch of Apple Maps had failed to impress many and has not managed to stand up to it’s competitors like Google Maps and Waze.
Apple’s SVP of Internet Software and Services Eddy Cue in an interview with TechCrunch said “We have been working on trying to create what we hope is going to be the best map app in the world, taking it to the next step”.
Apple Maps had used the data from providers like OpenStreetMap and TomTom, now they have decided to use their own data by collecting it from the iPhone users and their own fleet of vans that are embedded with sensors and cameras for the mapping process. The collection of data raises the issue of privacy for many user but Eddy Cue had assured that the collection of data is completely anonymous and only parts of the data is collected without collecting the complete data from a single user. Apple Maps is also working on the adding features like real-time traffic updates, new constructions, pathways, etc.
Apple users can expect a more detailed Apple Maps when this revamped version is rolled out. Apple is also going to use the satellites to provide better real time updates in regards to traffic or any new constructions. A more efficient and accurate Apple Maps might be on the horizon.
This new version of Apple Maps is set to be rolled out first for the iOS beta users of San Francisco and Bay Area of California, after that it will be available in other parts of the US in the earlier stage. There is not going to be a complete revamp of the design of the Apple Maps but the search feature will be improved to provide better and relevant results.
The new version is yet to be tested on the streets completely but Apple has taken a big initiative to give a fight to Google Maps, which own the streets right now. Apple users are going to be pretty excited in the coming few weeks.