Apple has rolled out a redesigned version of its Maps for users in the United States, offering features including indoor maps of airports and malls.
Apple has previously said that it is completely rebuilding its Maps app — the most frequently used app on its iPhones — with data gathered by its own fleet of sensor-equipped vans and with anonymous data from iPhone users who choose to share it.
The company said the redesigned version will offer a more comprehensive view of roads, buildings, and includes features such as 3D view of flyovers. "Customers from anywhere in the world can navigate through New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Houston and Oahu, with many more places to come," says Apple.
Redesigned Apple Maps
Apple also said the new version will roll out across Europe in the coming months.
“We set out to create the best and most private maps app on the planet that is reflective of how people explore the world today,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Internet Software and Services in the official announcement.
“It is an effort we are deeply invested in and required that we rebuild the map from the ground up to reimagine how Maps enhances people’s lives — from navigating to work or school or planning an important vacation — all with privacy at its core. The completion of the new map in the United States and delivering new features like Look Around and Collections are important steps in bringing that vision to life. We look forward to bringing this new map to the rest of the world starting with Europe later this year,” he added.
For security, Apple says that Maps will require no sign-in is not connected to an Apple ID in any way.
Some personalised features, such as suggesting departure time to make the next appointment, have been added to the app, which are created using on-device intelligence. "Any data collected by Maps while using the app, like search terms, navigation routing and traffic information, is associated with random identifiers that continually reset to ensure the best possible experience and to improve Maps," Apple said in the official note.
Maps also uses a process called "fuzzing" to obscure a user’s location on Apple servers. Apple says, with the process, Maps converts the precise location where the search originated to a less-exact one after 24 hours and does not retain a history of what has been searched or where a user has been.
With inputs from Reuters
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