Most smartphone users rely on Google Maps when looking for the quickest way to a destination – yet. Now Apple is making a serious counter-proposal: The software giant has thoroughly pimped its map app and introduced a few features that the market leader is missing. TECHBOOK presents the most important innovations.
Apple’s Maps app has existed before. However, it never performed as well as its competitor Google Maps, which impresses with its high level of location accuracy and user-friendliness. Now the (literal) cards could be reshuffled thanks to a number of innovations that Apple has implemented in its map app for Germany.
Apple’s maps app: innovations for Germany
In fact, Apple made improvements to its Maps app back in 2021, but initially only for users abroad (e.g. in the US, UK and Italy). Now they have also arrived in the German software for the iPhone and iPad. This should make planning every trip easier – and, thanks to augmented reality, also be fun.
More accurate representation
Essentially, the update is about more precise navigation and improved orientation. Using 3D views of numerous sights and well-known buildings (e.g. the Hamburg Elbphilharmonie or the Brandenburg Gate), the user should be able to see exactly where he is or exactly where he wants to go.
Apple speaks in his newsroom from a unique “level of detail for neighborhoods, commercial areas, ports, buildings and more”. Thanks to the improved display of street details and differences in height as well as a visual demarcation of residential areas (with green areas) and commercial areas, finding your way around should be easier than ever.
“Natural Language Guidance” for road users
Furthermore, navigation is no longer limited to certain modes of transport. This means, for example, that anyone who has parked their car should now be navigated on foot along the same route to their final destination. Even inside buildings. For example, users can find their way around train stations, airports or shopping centers independently, for example when they are looking for the washrooms.
Apple has also fine-tuned the language of its renewed map app. While before an action in z. B. “250 meters” was pointed out, it now says very specifically: “Turn left at the next traffic light.”
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Virtual trips à la Google Street View
According to Apple, a key feature is the “Look Around” function, a kind of separate version of the well-known Google Street View. It was previously available for a few international cities in the US, Canada and Europe. The feature allows users to take a virtual tour of a location. Munich is the first and only city in Germany to date; more are planned.
What already exists for other German cities besides Munich – including Berlin, Hamburg, Frankfurt am Main and Cologne – are detailed directions for pedestrians. Users only need to scan a building in their area. This allows the app to position you with high precision and generate precise route instructions using augmented reality.
Maps app for Apple devices only
The maps app can only be used on Apple devices. Anyone who has previously installed it should find an updated version on their iPhone without any action on their part. Otherwise it is available free of charge in the Apple Store.