Apple Maps brings detailed 3D buildings, enhanced navigation to Canada

Apple has finally brought its Apple Maps experience to Canada. It offers detailed 3D buildings and improved navigation in select areas, including Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver. Apple proudly claims it has built the map experience "from the ground up." You can expect detailed road markings, land cover, trees, elevation, public transit routes, etc. There's even a new windshield view for drivers and immersive walking directions in augmented reality.

Some of the detailed Canadian landmarks include the Notre-Dame Basilica in Montreal and Robson Square in Vancouver. The update is rolling out to users with iOS 15, macOS Monterey, and watchOS 8.

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iOS 14.5 introduces Waze-like features to Apple Maps

It's widely known that Apple Maps is lagging behind its competition. But the company is working on bringing it up to par with what Google offers with its Maps and Waze apps. With the beta 4 release of iOS 14.5, Apple Maps gets Waze-like crowdsourcing features so you can report accidents, speed checks, and hazards along the way. There's a new Report button in the app that you can access through your iPhone or CarPlay.

While not related to the beta release, Apple Maps has also rolled out in the US a way to look for COVID-19 vaccination sites in the country. Apple users in the US can search "COVID-19 vaccines" on Maps or ask Siri, "Where can I get a COVID-19 vaccination?" Both features use data from VaccineFinder.

iOS 14 can turn your iPhone into a car key

iOS 14 offers a lot of new features for users to take advantage of, but we haven't mentioned the automotive and mobility features the mobile platform offers. Apple is also improving Apple Maps and CarPlay experience with this new version of its operating system.

One of the more notable additions is turning your iPhone into your car's key with the aptly named Car Key. The feature is coming in the fall, with support for iOS 13 as well. It'll first work with the new 2021 BMW 5-Series, with other vehicles and automakers expected to support the feature next year. 

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Apple Maps now highlights food deliveries, hospitals, pharmacies during COVID-19 pandemic

Apple Maps made a few changes to promote essential services during the COVID-19 pandemic better. The categories on the app now prominently feature grocery stores, nearby restaurants that are open and offer delivery options, pharmacies, and hospitals. The less practical categories have been relegated to the bottom of the list. Previously, Apple Maps prioritized Restaurants, Fast Food, Gas Stations, and Cafes.

Google Maps made a similar change earlier but with a few more tweaks. Google Maps adds a COVID-19 warning message when looking for medical facilities. The warning tells people to call their doctor first before visiting medical locations if they are experiencing COVID-19 symptoms. Google also makes it clear if businesses are temporarily closed because of the pandemic. These features aren't available on Apple's navigation app.

Source: 9to5Mac