Apple is apparently working on its 19th expansion of its own maps. Former chief cartographer Justin O’Beirne reports in his blogthat tests have started in Hong Kong, Taiwan and Slovakia. Apple does this semi-publicly. Based on past experience, he expects the new maps to be published in June.
Apple Maps was introduced in 2012 with iOS 6, replacing Google Maps, which previously came as a pre-installed maps app on iPhone. After initial difficulties, Apple was increasingly able to catch up with Google. In September 2018, the iPhone manufacturer began to fundamentally overhaul its map material, starting with Northern California. Apple collected the data for this itself and was able to incorporate precise building outlines, more streets and details such as green spaces.
Europe already well covered
In April 2022 new maps for Germany were released. Switzerland followed in December. Only in April of this year were the maps for Austria renewed, together with Croatia, the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovenia. Previously, data for Finland, Norway and Sweden were exchanged in March.
Apple is heading towards soon having revised a quarter of the earth’s landmass in its maps. However, the new maps still cover less than 20 percent of the world’s population.
(mki)
