- Apple is now testing new Apple Maps features in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Slovakia.
- Apple Maps was first launched in 2012 as part of iOS 6.
- It got off to a disastrous start with melting landscapes and gross inaccuracies.
Apple is now testing the new Apple Maps features that were rolled out last month in Austria, Croatia, Czechia, Hungary, Poland, and Slovenia in Hong Kong, Taiwan, and Slovakia. This is the 19th time Apple has expanded coverage of the all-new mapping, which features both far greater detail and improved navigation. Apple Maps was originally launched in 2012 as part of iOS 6, however it got off to a disastrous start with melting landscapes and gross inaccuracies. As a result, Apple CEO Tim Cook was forced to issue a public apology and Scott Forstall, the leader of the Apple Maps project, left the company shortly afterward.
Apple eventually decided to create its own maps from scratch, stating: “Maps is being rebuilt from the ground up to better reflect the world around you. The new underlying map uses Apple data and features enhanced geographic context like pedestrian paths and parks, more detailed building outlines and parking lots, better road network coverage, and more. You’ll also be able to get where you’re going with improved routes, whether you’re on the road or on foot.” The rollout began in the US, and has since been gradually rolling out around the world.
So far, Apple has quietly rolled out the new Apple Maps features to a limited number of users in each of the three locations without any official announcement as yet. The full list of countries and regions to enjoy the new Apple Maps experience will, when these locations are made available to everyone, comprise of Andorra, Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czechia, Finland, France, Germany, Guam, Hong Kong, Hungary, Ireland, Israel (including Palestinian Territories), Italy, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Monaco, New Zealand, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Puerto Rico, San Marino, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, The Netherlands, The US Virgin Islands, United Kingdom, United States, and Vatican City.
It’s likely that the latest locations will be officially announced at WWDC. Availability of specific features varies by city.
