Apple Maps is finally working again after experiencing an outage on October 13 at 1:00 ET. Shortly after, at 2:00 PM ET, Apple released a statement that the problem with Apple Maps has been resolved, according to MacRumors.
The company's System Status page listing said that there was indeed an outage in Apple Maps. Problems in Apple Maps involve Maps Display, Maps Routing and Navigation, Maps Search, and Maps Traffic.
According to BGR, users are experiencing problems when they try to use Maps Display, Maps Routing and Navigation, and Maps Search. Meanwhile, traffic information using Maps Traffic is not displayed when the app is down.
Apple Maps Development
Apple developed the web mapping service Apple Maps. It was released in 2012, replacing Google Maps as the default map system on Apple devices.
Since Apple Maps was released, it has been integrated as the default map system of iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS. The app provides directions and estimated times of arrival for driving, walking, cycling, and public transportation navigation.
Initially, the app drew criticism from users and reviewers. Apple Maps is said to provide incorrect directions and scattered data about public transportation.
Another criticism about the app is the presence of various other bugs and errors. But since then, Apple has already addressed the criticisms and has further developed the app.
Read Also: Apple Maps Will Reportedly Get Search Ads Next Year
Apple Maps Features
Users can save the addresses of contacts. They could also create collections on maps. This is a convenient way to "save and label list of location data for later referencing." These collections can be organized by the users in terms of name and distance.
Users can also update their friends' contacts with their home addresses. Afterward, in order for you to have quick access to your friends' address, you can add them to a collection.
To make sure that the user's most traveled destinations are included at the top of Maps, users have the option to assign specific locations as favorites.
According to Apple Insider, Siri works well with Apple Maps. Users can ask Siri for specific directions, closing times, and business information. Users can "integrate Siri deeply with Apple Maps."
Using Siri Intelligence, users can conveniently travel even when there is traffic in the area. When there is slow traffic, Apple Maps will ask users to find an alternate way to avoid the area where traffic is slow.
Recent Addition to Apple Maps Features
In 2021, a new feature was added to Apple Maps. This is very useful as it allows users to report accidents, road hazards, and speed traps. The crowdsourced information are handy to the users of the app as the information appears while getting directions.
In Mid-March of 2021, Apple Maps also integrated COVID-19 vaccination locations in the app. Apple used the data from the Boston Children's Hospital's new vaccine tracking service. Later on, Apple also added COVID-19 guidance from airports.
In June of the same year, the company also added a revamped 3D view in select cities. Users can see detailed views of landmarks and foliage in the updated app.
Related Article: Apple Maps Now Has Cycling Directions for Multiple US Cities - Which are Included?
