TechCrunch reported that Apple has put privacy mechanisms in place to “completely” anonymize the information.īy the sound of it, the service is on track to become a much more formidable rival to Alphabet Inc.’s Google Maps than before. Each vehicle is reportedly equipped with a sophisticated GPS system, eight cameras and four LIDAR arrays, a type of laser-based sensor commonly used in self-driving cars.Īpple Maps’ new real-time features, in turn, will be powered by data collected from users’ devices.

The service will generate maps using a combination of satellite footage and images from specialized data gathering vans operated by the iPhone maker. The improvements in the new Apple Maps are largely thanks to a change of data sources. When traveling on foot or a bike, meanwhile, users can expect a better view of public spaces and buildings. In the new Apple Maps, drivers will have an easier time distinguishing throughways from the environment. The visual enhancements serve not only an aesthetic purpose but a practical one. According to the company officials who discussed the update, the service will keep better track of real-time factors such as traffic conditions, as well as provide more detailed maps. Users can expect to see a significant improvement in both the visual fidelity and accuracy of Apple Maps. The iPhone maker plans to extend the service to the rest of the U.S. The new Apple Maps will initially be available via the iOS 12 beta program, with location coverage limited to the Bay Area. TechCrunch, which was briefed by the company about the plan, reported today that the upgrade will start rolling out in the coming weeks. is preparing to launch a drastically overhauled version of its mapping service that will rely on data from satellites, iPhones and vans equipped with cutting-edge sensors.

Apple maps satellite