Apple launches updated Maps across Australia

Apple has rolled out a new and improved Maps app across Australia which now includes even more detailed road coverage, three-dimensional landmarks, better navigation and a new feature called Look Around.

From today, Australian users can use the new Apple maps which will provide faster and even more accurate navigation plus comprehensive views of roads, buildings, parks, airports and shopping centres so you can easily see where you are.

And the addition of three-dimensional landmarks of locations, including the Sydney Opera House, make it even easier to complete your journey.

“Apple Maps is the best way to explore and navigate the world, all while protecting your privacy. We are excited to bring this experience to even more users with today’s rollout in Australia,” said Eddy Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services.

“The map has been rebuilt from the ground up, with better navigation, richer detail, more accurate information for places, and remarkable features that only Apple can deliver, like Look Around, Share ETA, and more.

“Now it is easier than ever for users to find the places they love and get to where they’re going.”

Apart from the new maps, there are new features that will help uses navigate more easily and explore their city.

Siri Natural Language Guidance now offers natural sounding directions that are even that’s easier to follow.

For example, it will say “at the next traffic light, turn left”.

Apple Maps has also added lane guidance to make sure you’re in the correct lane before making a turn, entering an elevated road or changing freeways.

Speed camera warnings have also been added and can easily be seen on the map.

Share ETA is another new feature which makes it simple share an estimated time arrival with family, friends and co-workers with a simple tap of a button.

The person receiving the Share ETA will be able to follow you on your journey in real time as you approach and be updated with a revised arrival time if there are delays.

They can simply tell Siri “There’s an accident up ahead” or “there is something on the road”.

With iOS 15, Australians can easily find nearby stations more easily and select and pin favourite lines.

Maps can automatically follow along with a selected transit route and notify users when it’s nearly time to disembark.

Riders can even keep track on their Apple Watch.

There is now real time transit information which offers detailed transit schedules, live departure times, arrival times, the current location of a bus or train on route and system connections to help them plan their journey.

Apple Maps will also report important real-time information like outages.

Look Around provides a new way for users to interact with their surroundings thanks to high resolution 3D photography and smooth transitions. It’s similar to Street View on Google Maps.

Users anywhere in the world can now navigate around Australia whether it’s to explore Bondi Beach, approach the Opera House or stand under the Sydney Harbour Bridge.

Maps users in Sydney and Melbourne will also soon be able to receive step-by-step walking guidance which is enhanced with augmented reality.

Users simply need to raise their iPhone to scan buildings in the area before Maps can generate a highly accurate position to deliver directions that can be viewed in context with the real world.

Guides also provides a list of places around the world for users to explore.

Whether they’re looking for someplace to eat, shop and explore – these curated guides will be a great way to find and explore popular local attractions and discover new and interesting places.

Other new features in Maps include Favourites which is offers a one tap navigation to places you frequently visit – it might be your home or work, a gym or the school.

Flyover now offers a way for you to see select major metropolitan areas with photo realistic immersive 3D views.

Maps can also allow users to explore indoor maps for places like airports and shopping centres so you can see within that structure, what level you’re on, restroom locations and even which stores and restaurants are still open.

Flight Status uses on device Siri intelligence to scan for information you may have stored in Mail, Calendar or Wallet and proactively offer flight information to give you information like terminals, gate locations and departure times as well as notifications if a flight changes or is cancelled.

The Maps update will happen automatically – you don’t have to manually upgrade it.