Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution
Google Maps has no rival in the battle for domination in the navigation space, but its competitors make good progress. Many users believe Apple has the biggest chance to become a true competitor in this market, especially as Apple Maps keeps getting substantial improvements.
The latest major release on the Apple Maps front concerns the Detailed City Experience expansion. Also referred to as DCE, the Detailed City Experience is the biggest overhaul in Apple Maps' history, as it includes in-house Apple maps, incredible details like crosswalks, sidewalks, and trees, 3D landmarks, and updated navigation apps with 3D models and detailed routes.
Apple started the DCE rollout a few years ago, but the company needs more time to release it across the world. As a result, the DCE becomes available for users worldwide in stages, and this week, the map update went live in Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon.
Users can already see the detailed maps in Apple Maps, including builds and trees, through the DCE appears to be a work-in-progress in certain regions. For example, well-known landmarks such as football stadiums in Madrid and Barcelona are currently missing, so I assume the Cupertino-based iPhone maker will continue to update the maps as it gets this data ready.
Apple did not release an announcement regarding the DCE expansion, but users claim that cycling directions are also available in Spain and Portugal as part of the update.
The detailed city experience makes Apple Maps a strong competitor for Google Maps, though this slow rollout worldwide makes the wait for the refresh very difficult. Many users stick with Google Maps because it's more feature-complete, though Apple seems to work around the clock specifically to address this shortcoming.
iOS 17 is living proof, as the new iPhone operating system enables offline map support in Apple Maps. This feature allows users to navigate to their destinations without an Internet connection. Similar functionality has been available in Google Maps for several years, but Apple offers an upgraded experience by supporting walking directions and public transportation. Users must download the offline maps before they begin navigating, with Apple Maps updating the data automatically when it runs in the background.
The detailed city experience makes Apple Maps significantly better but does not address the lack of essential features. For example, Apple Maps does not support satellite maps for navigation.
The service provides users with satellite views when browsing the maps, but it automatically returns to the default map layer when navigation begins. Apple has so far remained tight-lipped on its long-term Apple Maps plans, but I've recently discovered evidence that the company wants to accelerate the release of DCE in certain regions. Apple has recently started collecting data in Brazil, with neighboring countries likely to follow next.
Apple started the DCE rollout a few years ago, but the company needs more time to release it across the world. As a result, the DCE becomes available for users worldwide in stages, and this week, the map update went live in Madrid, Barcelona, and Lisbon.
Users can already see the detailed maps in Apple Maps, including builds and trees, through the DCE appears to be a work-in-progress in certain regions. For example, well-known landmarks such as football stadiums in Madrid and Barcelona are currently missing, so I assume the Cupertino-based iPhone maker will continue to update the maps as it gets this data ready.
Apple did not release an announcement regarding the DCE expansion, but users claim that cycling directions are also available in Spain and Portugal as part of the update.
The detailed city experience makes Apple Maps a strong competitor for Google Maps, though this slow rollout worldwide makes the wait for the refresh very difficult. Many users stick with Google Maps because it's more feature-complete, though Apple seems to work around the clock specifically to address this shortcoming.
iOS 17 is living proof, as the new iPhone operating system enables offline map support in Apple Maps. This feature allows users to navigate to their destinations without an Internet connection. Similar functionality has been available in Google Maps for several years, but Apple offers an upgraded experience by supporting walking directions and public transportation. Users must download the offline maps before they begin navigating, with Apple Maps updating the data automatically when it runs in the background.
The detailed city experience makes Apple Maps significantly better but does not address the lack of essential features. For example, Apple Maps does not support satellite maps for navigation.
The service provides users with satellite views when browsing the maps, but it automatically returns to the default map layer when navigation begins. Apple has so far remained tight-lipped on its long-term Apple Maps plans, but I've recently discovered evidence that the company wants to accelerate the release of DCE in certain regions. Apple has recently started collecting data in Brazil, with neighboring countries likely to follow next.
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