Revamped Apple Maps Expands to the Southeast and Central United States [Updated]

[jclo]

I've updated this article to add a note that the revamped Maps app does not appear to be available to all users in the Southeast at this time. We've seen reports from multiple users that have the new maps, but looks like it's still rolling out to the entire Southeast. I've also updated the title so that it no longer suggests the entire rollout has finished. Please feel free to email me with any other concerns.

 

[MozMan68]

I've updated this article to add a note that the revamped Maps app does not appear to be available to all users in the Southeast at this time. We've seen reports from multiple users that have the new maps, but looks like it's still rolling out to the entire Southeast. I've also updated the title so that it no longer suggests the entire rollout has finished. Please feel free to email me with any other concerns.

Thanks Juli!

 

[lindros2]

I've updated this article to add a note that the revamped Maps app does not appear to be available to all users in the Southeast at this time. We've seen reports from multiple users that have the new maps, but looks like it's still rolling out to the entire Southeast. I've also updated the title so that it no longer suggests the entire rollout has finished. Please feel free to email me with any other concerns.

It's the most unusually (stupid) thing. I saw the new maps when I was in Colorado, but it's the old maps when I'm *BACK* in the Southeast.
Something is amiss. This is a repeat of the older Apple Maps failure.

 

[MozMan68]

It's the most unusually (stupid) thing. I saw the new maps when I was in Colorado, but it's the old maps when I'm *BACK* in the Southeast.
Something is amiss. This is a repeat of the older Apple Maps failure.

Are you serious?

The new section is in pre-release and will not be available to everyone at various times.

At worst, you have working maps that simply do not have the added detail. Calm down.

 

[Alan Gordon]

I've updated this article to add a note that the revamped Maps app does not appear to be available to all users in the Southeast at this time. We've seen reports from multiple users that have the new maps, but looks like it's still rolling out to the entire Southeast. I've also updated the title so that it no longer suggests the entire rollout has finished. Please feel free to email me with any other concerns.

I should also point out that the updated note does not clarify that it's not just the Southeast but the Central US and Alaska that is still in limited mode as well.

 

[MozMan68]

For this that don’t know, there is a stickied Maps thread that has every update including state by state release dates here:

Updated Apple Maps

This is a Wiki Thread for the latest updates to the Apple Maps app. Note that some of the updates listed below may only be available in the latest beta software and not necessarily publicly available until iOS13 is released in mid-September. Please simply click on "EDIT" for this post to make...

forums.macrumors.com

 

[DanBig]

It does exactly that. Press and hold on a building, the address shows in the popup.

Not in Maine and in the city the resolution is very poor as the building blocks are so homogenous you can't tell one building to the next in the groups. Very poor implementation!

If I'm driving I don't want to poke my screen! The street numbers need to be visible at least at the head of the street, and at some distance on longer roads. If asked read off as I drive by.

 

[MozMan68]

Not in Maine and in the city the resolution is very poor as the building blocks are so homogenous you can't tell one building to the next in the groups. Very poor implementation!

If I'm driving I don't want to poke my screen! The street numbers need to be visible at least at the head of the street, and at some distance on longer roads. If asked read off as I drive by.

I’m really confused? What app provides that? I know HERE shows address numbers on the map (not sure if it does while driving).

The map knows which address you are going to. New Maps (including Maine) will mark the building you are driving to as part of the route. What is missing??

 

[konqerror]

Are you serious?

The new section is in pre-release and will not be available to everyone at various times.

At worst, you have working maps that simply do not have the added detail. Calm down.

His point is valid. When you are switched to the new maps, it should stay there unless they're rolling back. Randomly switching between the two is annoying and creates false expectations. You want to check on a building, you pull it up, and where you could see it yesterday, it's now gone.

 

[Millah]

The single thing that's kept me from switching away from Google's maps is that Google's display of traffic congestion information is easier to grok at a glance. Google adopted the standard green-yellow-red-black paradigm most of the older traffic display systems used, and it's just easier to quickly comprehend.

I notice that, with the revamp, Apple's at least gotten rid of that annoying system of dashes they used to use. But still, it seems like they're trying to be different just for the sake of being different, and sacrificing quick visual interpretation because of it.

More like, removing visual clutter. Apple simply shows congestion on the map, and that’s it. If you don’t see anything, then that means traffic is flowing.

I don’t need to see the ENTIRE map covered in green lines. All I care about is knowing where there is congestion.

I think this is an example where Apple nailed it.

 

[DanBig]

I’m really confused? What app provides that? I know HERE shows address numbers on the map (not sure if it does while driving).

The map knows which address you are going to. New Maps (including Maine) will mark the building you are driving to as part of the route. What is missing??

Well Apple appears to have updated the DB this week! Now I can see addresses in Maine! Still needs much more to be useful in the city.

FYI: Street View in Google maps shows the address as you drive by in the top left corner.

While I like the street view aspect its too busy when you drive! All I want is the map view with tick marks as I pass by addresses. Having and end point doesn't help in the city when you have no idea where you are. Lyft & Uber navigation offers it.

 

[retta283]

LOL yep Arizona.

AZ here too. Maps is not so hot here. Especially compared to some parts of California it's pathetic. Luckily I know the streets well enough that I don't really need maps in AZ, only when I travel.

 

[MozMan68]

Well Apple appears to have updated the DB this week! Now I can see addresses in Maine! Still needs much more to be useful in the city.

FYI: Street View in Google maps shows the address as you drive by in the top left corner.

While I like the street view aspect its too busy when you drive! All I want is the map view with tick marks as I pass by addresses. Having and end point doesn't help in the city when you have no idea where you are. Lyft & Uber navigation offers it.

I guess I'm still really confused by what you are saying or want.

Street View is "Street View" and not used or accessible during navigation. How would you use it in a car? And if I'm going to 123 Main Street, why would I care if I'm passing 110, then 112, then 114 Main Street?? I'm just not sure how that would help you navigate in a city or anywhere else.

Or are you referring to when you actually arrive and you want to see the addresses on the map??

Again, new Maps not only takes you to where you want to go, but the pin is right on the address or building when you get there. There should be no confusion as to where you are going even after you arrive. Are you having a different experience in the new Maps area? Can you share pics of what you mean?

And I use Uber a lot when I travel and never noticed that on their Maps...but I may not have been looking too closely. And most drivers use other map programs (Apple, Waze or Google instead).

 

[MozMan68]

His point is valid. When you are switched to the new maps, it should stay there unless they're rolling back. Randomly switching between the two is annoying and creates false expectations. You want to check on a building, you pull it up, and where you could see it yesterday, it's now gone.

Actually, it's not a valid point...only his disappointment in losing them is valid.

Maps is a server side application and the specific area he is referring to is in pre-release as was all the other areas of the US at some point or another over the past 18+ months. You don't GET new Maps area, Apple gives you ACCESS to them.

There have been MANY folks on here (including me) who were lucky enough to get a pre-released area, sometimes for 2-3 weeks, before losing it again prior to final wide release. It is the way they test the routing as well as any other issues that someone may be willing to point out if they have the new Maps.

He was simply LUCKY to have them since no one has a right to have them until wide release takes place. Most likely that will occur within the next 3-4 weeks if Apple stays on their typical 6-week pre-release schedule.

 

[konqerror]

Actually, it's not a valid point...only his disappointment in losing them is valid.

Maps is a server side application and the specific area he is referring to is in pre-release as was all the other areas of the US at some point or another over the past 18+ months. You don't GET new Maps area, Apple gives you ACCESS to them.

There have been MANY folks on here (including me) who were lucky enough to get a pre-released area, sometimes for 2-3 weeks, before losing it again prior to final wide release. It is the way they test the routing as well as any other issues that someone may be willing to point out if they have the new Maps.

He was simply LUCKY to have them since no one has a right to have them until wide release takes place. Most likely that will occur within the next 3-4 weeks if Apple stays on their typical 6-week pre-release schedule.

Nope. Your position makes no sense at all.

Imagine one day you have navigation. Then you get into your car on the way home from somewhere, and oops navigation is not available. You'd be pissed.

We pay Apple good money for access to Maps, along with other OS features. It's not a free feature. It is a competitive market.

If Apple can't deliver a consistent user experience, then we should simply go to Google, which can.

 

[MozMan68]

Nope. Your position makes no sense at all.

Imagine one day you have navigation. Then you get into your car on the way home from somewhere, and oops navigation is not available. You'd be pissed.

We pay Apple good money for access to Maps, along with other OS features. It's not a free feature. It is a competitive market.

If Apple can't deliver a consistent user experience, then we should simply go to Google, which can.

Ugh...refer to my original response...he didn't LOSE any features to utilize Maps other than the updated UI..Maps did work before for him and still works now no matter where he is or will be in the US.

 

[konqerror]

Ugh...refer to my original response...he didn't LOSE any features to utilize Maps other than the updated UI..Maps did work before for him and still works now no matter where he is or will be in the US.

You obviously haven't tested the feature yourself. He lost more accurate, higher resolution maps. It's not "UI".

If the new maps don't produce an actual end-user benefit, then why is Apple spending billions in making them? Why do they send cars out over several years to make "UI"?

What was Apple's biggest complaint when they lost Google's data? The maps are inaccurate and have poor detail. It wasn't "UI"

Simple logic.

 

[lindros2]

His point is valid. When you are switched to the new maps, it should stay there unless they're rolling back. Randomly switching between the two is annoying and creates false expectations. You want to check on a building, you pull it up, and where you could see it yesterday, it's now gone.

Thank you.
FYI - the new maps (with new detail, buildings, etc.) are showing on my iPad (iOS 13.3), but not on my MacBook Pro 13" (macOS 10.15.2) nor my iPhone (iOS 13.3). I triggered it with "Find My", which worked on that single device, but didn't work on the other devices.
So, in summary - something is real screwy. It's not by location, nor Apple ID, nor connection (mobile vs. work vs. home vs. VPN).
[automerge]1577990168[/automerge]

Are you serious?

"Yes".
-Jin Yang.

 

[MozMan68]

Ummm...I actually live in a new Maps area. I also work out of NYC and Boston and had the pre-release for that area for a few weeks back in August before it was taken away (like it is for EVERYONE) before wide release.

Neither of you apparently understand the way Maps is released or how server-side applications work.

You will both have the new Maps data in the next 3-4 weeks at a minimum.

Stop thinking of it as being taken away from you...you got an advanced peek at the new data. Feel fortunate you got a preview and that you only have to wait a few weeks before getting it for good.

 

[konqerror]

Neither of you apparently understand the way Maps is released or how server-side applications work.

Nope. You don't understand how webapp features should be rolled out. I understand how Maps is released and it's poor design.

That has nothing to do with a server-side application. When somebody is given access to the new maps, simply persist that access, say by setting a flag in the Apple ID. That way you get permanent access unless they are recalling it for everybody.

You also solve problems in not having to migrate user data back and forth repeatedly and avoid issues with saved state.

Take for example the send-to-iPhone feature on desktop Maps. If you persist access for a user, then you don't have to consider the case of sending a location from old maps to new maps and vice versa. You always get old-to-old and new-to-new.

All kinds of webapps do this. Microsoft does it. Google does it. It's basic UX and software engineering.

 

[MozMan68]

Nope. You don't understand how webapp features should be rolled out. I understand how Maps is released and it's poor design.

That has nothing to do with a server-side application. When somebody is given access to the new maps, simply persist that access, say by setting a flag in the Apple ID. That way you get permanent access unless they are recalling it for everybody.

You also solve problems in not having to migrate user data back and forth repeatedly and avoid issues with saved state.

Take for example the send-to-iPhone feature on desktop Maps. If you persist access for a user, then you don't have to consider the case of sending a location from old maps to new maps and vice versa. You always get old-to-old and new-to-new.

All kinds of webapps do this. Microsoft does it. Google does it. It's basic UX and software engineering.

Like I said...you don't get it...and I guess it is pointless to explain map layers to you and how none of what you mentioned is even affected by this change. If 4-6 weeks of waiting for a pre-release to go to wide release is having this much of an affect on you, I won't be able to say anything to make you feel better about it.

 

[konqerror]

Like I said...you don't get it...and I guess it is pointless to explain map layers to you and how none of what you mentioned is even affected by this change. If 4-6 weeks of waiting for a pre-release to go to wide release is having this much of an affect on you, I won't be able to say anything to make you feel better about it.

Once again, it has nothing to do with "map layer" and all about simply persisting beta/early access. That's it. Persisting.

You just don't seem to understand that one concept.

As simple as I can put it: Once it's on for you, it should stay on for you.

Now give me a simple reason why that's bad. I already gave very good reasons why it's technically better, ignoring the better user experience.

 

[MozMan68]

Once again, it has nothing to do with "map layer" and all about simply persisting beta/early access. That's it. Persisting.

You just don't seem to understand that one concept.

As simple as I can put it: Once it's on for you, it should stay on for you.

Now give me a simple reason why that's bad. I already gave very good reasons why it's technically better, ignoring the better user experience.

It's simple...there is something found during the pre-release that is BAD...that's why it is in pre-release in the first place. They pull it to make corrections or test on other devices to make sure it works for those people (different devices, different levels of software/betas).

Is that really so difficult to understand?

 

[konqerror]

It's simple...there is something found during the pre-release that is BAD...that's why it is in pre-release in the first place. They pull it to make corrections or test on other devices to make sure it works for those people (different devices, different levels of software/betas).

Is that really so difficult to understand?

Yup, you have 100% missed the concept. My point has absolutely nothing to do with what you said. Instead of arguing, go back and think some more.

 

[hrpanjwani]

Based on what they’ve introduced over the past year in the United States, they have proven they can and will succeed with Maps and in many cases may exceed Google in many areas.

Just because it hasn’t hit other countries yet does not mean it will not happen soon.

I don’t doubt that Apple wants to and will succeed with Maps. However, if India is going to be the next big market for Apple then they need to take actions that reflect that. So far it’s been just talk and Apple is considered by most people here to be a luxury brand.

Privacy is the main reason I buy Apple products besides the fact that they are nice to use and hold resale value well. Installing Google Maps on my iOS devices negates that. The poor software updates this year also negate that. While I will continue to use Apple products I have stopped recommending them to others as best in class till Apple gets things moving in the right direction.