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Google Maps Offensive Continues as Apple Starts Mapping New Regions

While Apple Maps is supposed to be a solid alternative to Google Maps, it’s not necessarily a secret that Apple’s application isn’t quite there just yet.
The Subaru Impreza Apple uses to capture Apple Maps data 5 photos
Photo: Screenshot taken from Google Street View
Apple Maps car on Google MapsApple Maps car on Google MapsApple Maps car on Google MapsApple Maps car on Google Maps
That's especially true outside the United States, as Apple has often been painfully slow when rolling out new functionality to users not living in the company’s home market.

Apple Maps, for example, has already received massive updates in the U.S., including better maps and new features like traffic information with street signs and traffic lights warnings. Still, this new experience continues to be available in limited markets out there.

On the other hand, the iPhone maker is working around the clock on expanding Apple Maps to more markets, as the company itself knows this is pretty much the only way to compete against Google Maps.

And most recently, Apple sent its fleet of Subaru Imprezas used for collecting data to Austria, with the mapping process to kick off today. The company hasn’t shared any information about how much the whole process is supposed to take. Still, according to local media, Apple just wants to focus on vehicle-based data for now, so foot mapping won’t take place as part of this first stage of the process.

That is most likely a sign that Apple wants to improve the navigation component of its app, though time will tell how fast the new data becomes available for users in Austria.

The good news is that Apple is indeed making some really good progress with expanding Apple Maps to more regions out there. Right now, this is one of the biggest shortcomings of using Apple Maps versus alternatives like Google Maps, as the app that comes pre-loaded on iPhones is still lacking up-to-date map data and new features in many large markets out there.

Apple hasn’t confirmed the expansion of Apple Maps to Austria just yet, but expect to see the company’s Subaru Imprezas on the streets of the European country for up to several months.
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About the author: Bogdan Popa
Bogdan Popa profile photo

Bogdan keeps an eye on how technology is taking over the car world. His long-term goals are buying an 18-wheeler because he needs more space for his kid’s toys, and convincing Google and Apple that Android Auto and CarPlay deserve at least as much attention as their phones.
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