Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/Apple
Apple has been working hard on expanding the detailed city experience, and now it looks like the company is preparing something big, with an announcement expected as soon as next week.
First, let me provide some context for the detailed city experience rollout.
Announced a few years ago, the detailed city experience, also called DCE in Apple's fanbase, is a major Apple Maps overhaul that includes maps with rich details, such as crosswalks, sidewalks, trees, buildings, and custom 3D models. The maps power a modern version of Apple Maps that brings exploration and navigation to a new level, eventually turning the platform into a more advanced Google Maps rival.
Apple has been rolling out DCE in phases, as the refresh includes overwhelming data. The company needs time to prepare the new maps for every region, so the DCE regularly makes its way to new locations.
A few days ago, I came across evidence that Apple might be planning to expand DCE to new locations, as it started testing 3D building models in Nassau County (NY), Westchester County (NY), Morris County (NJ), Loudon County (VA), Orange County (CA), Stamford (CT), and Montgomery County (PA).
Someone on reddit has discovered new signs that Apple might be cooking a DCE expansion to Barcelona and Madrid. While I recommend everybody to take the information with a healthy pinch of salt, the findings are solid evidence that Apple might be planning a big announcement shortly. Others have also discovered similar 3D building models in Sweden.
The 3D buildings spotted on Apple Maps are white and different from others, possibly as Apple plans custom 3D models that could start rolling out when the DCE update is ready. The company used a similar approach when it released the detailed city experience in Paris, so everything aligns nicely. Barcelona, Madrid, and likely several parts of Sweden could be included in the next massive DCE expansion alongside the locations I mentioned earlier.
The announcement could be made on September 12. Apple will hold its annual hardware event next week, with the iPhone 15 receiving the most stage time. However, the company typically introduces several other new products and updates on the event's sideline, so I expect Apple Maps news, too, including a new DCE expansion.
Apple Maps will soon receive offline maps as part of the iOS 17 update. The feature brings Apple Maps even closer to Google Maps, as Google's mapping platform has been offering similar functionality for several years. Apple is fully committed to improving Apple Maps in the long term, especially as the service is integral to its automotive expansion plans. Apple is working on an electric vehicle, and Apple Maps will offer critical functionality, including charging information and the location of compatible stations.
Announced a few years ago, the detailed city experience, also called DCE in Apple's fanbase, is a major Apple Maps overhaul that includes maps with rich details, such as crosswalks, sidewalks, trees, buildings, and custom 3D models. The maps power a modern version of Apple Maps that brings exploration and navigation to a new level, eventually turning the platform into a more advanced Google Maps rival.
Apple has been rolling out DCE in phases, as the refresh includes overwhelming data. The company needs time to prepare the new maps for every region, so the DCE regularly makes its way to new locations.
A few days ago, I came across evidence that Apple might be planning to expand DCE to new locations, as it started testing 3D building models in Nassau County (NY), Westchester County (NY), Morris County (NJ), Loudon County (VA), Orange County (CA), Stamford (CT), and Montgomery County (PA).
Someone on reddit has discovered new signs that Apple might be cooking a DCE expansion to Barcelona and Madrid. While I recommend everybody to take the information with a healthy pinch of salt, the findings are solid evidence that Apple might be planning a big announcement shortly. Others have also discovered similar 3D building models in Sweden.
The 3D buildings spotted on Apple Maps are white and different from others, possibly as Apple plans custom 3D models that could start rolling out when the DCE update is ready. The company used a similar approach when it released the detailed city experience in Paris, so everything aligns nicely. Barcelona, Madrid, and likely several parts of Sweden could be included in the next massive DCE expansion alongside the locations I mentioned earlier.
The announcement could be made on September 12. Apple will hold its annual hardware event next week, with the iPhone 15 receiving the most stage time. However, the company typically introduces several other new products and updates on the event's sideline, so I expect Apple Maps news, too, including a new DCE expansion.
Apple Maps will soon receive offline maps as part of the iOS 17 update. The feature brings Apple Maps even closer to Google Maps, as Google's mapping platform has been offering similar functionality for several years. Apple is fully committed to improving Apple Maps in the long term, especially as the service is integral to its automotive expansion plans. Apple is working on an electric vehicle, and Apple Maps will offer critical functionality, including charging information and the location of compatible stations.
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