The iPhone maker has been competing with its mapping rivals for a long time. From time to time, Apple has offered unique features to draw more users. Recent Apple Maps features release says a lot about the company’s plan to beat Google Maps. The new features are being rolled out to six new countries.
The list includes Hungary, Slovenia, Austria, Poland, the Czech Republic, and Croatia. This new experience has already been available to US users since 2018. Since then, the coverage has been expanded twenty times.
What Are The New Apple Maps Features?
The new features in Apple Maps include Lane Guidance, Natural Language Guidance, Share ETA, and Look Around. The iPhone maker has been slowly making Apple Maps competitive by adding new experiences at regular intervals. According to the company, all of these new features are fundamental elements in building maps from scratch.
Like other big tech giants, Apple always tests features in beta mode before releasing them. Several tech leakers and Apple Maps experts hinted a few weeks ago about new features being released in certain countries. The new Apple Maps features also include speed and red light camera locations, multi-stop routing, hazard warnings, and electric vehicle charging points.
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Let’s take a look at how these features will help users. Natural Language Guidance will provide users with voice prompts. Prompts include “Turn right at the next traffic light” and more. The Share ETA feature will automatically share your estimated time of arrival with your contacts (only authorized ones). Moreover, this informs your friends and family of your location and any delays.
For journeys on public transport, you have amazing features at your fingertips, including.
- Pin favorite line
- Notifications when it’s to get off.
- Find nearby stations
This feature is very popular with iPhone users. Even Apple Maps competitors are using it to make their maps more useful.
How Is Maps Changing?
These features promise a new experience for map users. For example, the Look Around feature will provide stunning 3D photo-based street-level imagery. Ultimately, you will have an idea of your surroundings. Unfortunately, this feature is not yet available in Austria, but Apple promises to release it soon.
The Flyover will offer 3D views of important landmarks. Most importantly, users will be able to rotate, tilt, pan, and zoom the 3D images. The indoor maps feature will allow users to find shops, toilets, and restaurants in shopping centers and airports. This feature will also help you know if a store or restaurant is open. Apple claims to be strengthening the privacy features of Apple Maps.
This is already old technology. Big deal
Yes, it is only released in six new countries with slight modifications.