Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
The detailed city experience rollout is making good progress despite happening slower than anticipated, and now it looks like the Cupertino-based parent company is getting ready for another big update.
Italy could be the next region where the company could release the detailed city experience, with large cities like Milan and Rome already showing signs that a big announcement is around the corner.
Users have spotted the typical white placeholders Apple uses for the buildings that will receive a 3D overhaul as part of the detailed city experience. Before it begins rolling out the update, Apple replaces the standard version of certain landmarks, such as buildings and other important locations in a city, with a white placeholder that looks like a big white box with zero details.
Once the detailed city experience starts rolling out, the white placeholders are replaced with detailed 3D models that allow users to explore them on Apple Maps.
It's unclear when Apple could release an announcement regarding the debut of the detailed city experience in Italy, but I don't think this will happen before the new year. The last weeks of December rarely witness such releases, especially as an update would require close monitoring and fixes should something go wrong. Most teams will receive time off during the holidays, so starting the rollout upon their return to the office in January makes more sense.
The detailed city experience is the biggest update in Apple Maps' history. It includes new maps with incredible attention to detail, showing sidewalks, crosswalks, trees, buildings, and everything else you can find on the street when exploring a region.
The detailed city experience also overhauls the navigation experience with 3D roads and support for traffic lights and stop signs. You'll see the location of traffic lights and stop signs on the map as you navigate, so you can slow down in advance and prepare for an intersection. Additionally, Apple Maps will also get incident reporting a la Waze, allowing users to mark the location of speed traps, accidents, and other hazards. The feature works just like in Waze, so once you spot a hazard, you hit the report button, choose the type, and tap the submit button.
The detailed city experience rolls out to users worldwide in stages, as Apple must process an overwhelming amount of data before bringing it to more regions. The rollout started three years ago and is far from complete, which makes sense considering Apple builds the maps from scratch. The previous version of Apple Maps used third-party maps, so with this update, the company has reduced its reliance on other companies.
Apple has remained tight-lipped on the Italian expansion of the detailed city experience, so you'd better not hold your breath for an announcement just yet.
Users have spotted the typical white placeholders Apple uses for the buildings that will receive a 3D overhaul as part of the detailed city experience. Before it begins rolling out the update, Apple replaces the standard version of certain landmarks, such as buildings and other important locations in a city, with a white placeholder that looks like a big white box with zero details.
Once the detailed city experience starts rolling out, the white placeholders are replaced with detailed 3D models that allow users to explore them on Apple Maps.
It's unclear when Apple could release an announcement regarding the debut of the detailed city experience in Italy, but I don't think this will happen before the new year. The last weeks of December rarely witness such releases, especially as an update would require close monitoring and fixes should something go wrong. Most teams will receive time off during the holidays, so starting the rollout upon their return to the office in January makes more sense.
The detailed city experience is the biggest update in Apple Maps' history. It includes new maps with incredible attention to detail, showing sidewalks, crosswalks, trees, buildings, and everything else you can find on the street when exploring a region.
The detailed city experience also overhauls the navigation experience with 3D roads and support for traffic lights and stop signs. You'll see the location of traffic lights and stop signs on the map as you navigate, so you can slow down in advance and prepare for an intersection. Additionally, Apple Maps will also get incident reporting a la Waze, allowing users to mark the location of speed traps, accidents, and other hazards. The feature works just like in Waze, so once you spot a hazard, you hit the report button, choose the type, and tap the submit button.
The detailed city experience rolls out to users worldwide in stages, as Apple must process an overwhelming amount of data before bringing it to more regions. The rollout started three years ago and is far from complete, which makes sense considering Apple builds the maps from scratch. The previous version of Apple Maps used third-party maps, so with this update, the company has reduced its reliance on other companies.
Apple has remained tight-lipped on the Italian expansion of the detailed city experience, so you'd better not hold your breath for an announcement just yet.
Google News