Apple’s innovative mapping experience that combines precision and exceptional detail has arrived in Barcelona and Madrid.
This update not only promises a new way to navigate, but has also been enriched with useful functions for bicycle users throughout Spain, transforming navigation in cities.
Apple Maps: a detailed city experience
Apple’s detailed Maps experience launched in 2021 and has been revolutionizing the way people explore cities around the world. This feature allows users to explore cities in three dimensions with a good level of detail.
The most exciting thing is that this experience is now available in Barcelona and Madrid. The recreation of emblematic places such as the Prado Museum, the Puerta de Alcalá, the Sagrada Familia and the Venetian Towers is amazing, but the real magic lies in the ability of this update to improve navigation.
The key to this detailed map update is the significant improvement in navigation, regardless of the mode of transport: car, bicycle, on foot or by public transport.
This update introduces details of road markings, surface types, information on surrounding vegetation, altitudes, and details of public transport routes, including turn lanes, bus and cab lanes, and clearly marked crosswalks at busy intersections.
Specific indications for cyclists
Users can receive detailed, turn-by-turn directions for bicycle routes along designated lanes and cycle paths suitable for cyclists. In addition, it is now possible to select cycling as the default mode of transport.
Cycling-specific features are also available on the Apple Watch. This includes an altitude view along a route, tactile feedback for turn directions, and voice directions for speed and distance, which are delivered directly through the watch’s speaker.
Notifications are also sent to remind cyclists to get off the bike and walk when approaching specific intersections. In addition, users can find public restrooms, places to take a break and bicycle repair shops.
You can share your estimated time of arrival, disable voice prompts and consult a summary of your route or a list of turns, all while following the route.
What’s new in iOS 17
With the update to iOS 17, the maps app also offers the ability to download maps for offline use.
This allows users to select an area and access turn-by-turn navigation by car, on foot, by public transport and by bicycle, even offline. They can also consult the location of electric vehicle charging stations in real time.
