With an update, users of Apple's maps app have the option, among other things, of calling up special cycle routes. In addition, there are now new detailed views for several German metropolises and pedestrians can use augmented reality to find their way around in other cities.
It took quite a long time, but from now on cyclists can use Apple Maps throughout Germany to call up routes that are especially suitable for them. The update also gives you new options on foot, and you can now see very detailed views in three major cities.
To call up the cycle routes, you tap on the iPhone after entering the search on Route and then on Drive. A selection opens in which you can now select a bike. To ensure that you get to your destination safely and relaxed, you can then tap Avoid and set routes that do not lead over busy roads and/or hills as much as possible.
You can also set the bicycle as your preferred means of transport to get the corresponding routes displayed immediately. And on the go, Apple Maps offers other valuable information. These include real-time elevation profile updates or dismount and push notifications when approaching certain intersections.
The new Apple Maps also offers options to find public toilets, rest areas or bike repair shops. In addition, as in a car, you can be guided by voice announcements or display a route overview or a list of turns.
If you have an Apple Watch, you can see an overview of height differences when navigating a bike, vibrations indicate changes in direction, or feedback on speed and distance is given via the loudspeaker.
If you are traveling in Berlin, Hamburg or Munich, you can now see more details in the map app. This includes road markings, land cover, trees, elevation changes, public transport links, turn lanes, medians, bus and taxi lanes, and pedestrian crossings.
In the car, the display switches to a "windshield view" when approaching a complicated intersection. You can now find your way around on foot in Dortmund, Düsseldorf, Essen, Cologne, Leipzig and Stuttgart with augmented reality. The feature was previously available in Berlin, Hamburg, Munich and Frankfurt am Main. Some landmarks, such as the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, are now shown in particularly high detail in the 3D view.
