Apple Maps Will Soon Get More User-Friendly Features

If you’re an Apple geek, you probably already know about iOS 14, which was announced at the WWDC 2020. As for car enthusiasts, iOS 14 packs in a digital Car Key feature and an upgraded version of the much-loved Apple CarPlay. Now, there’s yet another update we need to talk about, Apple Maps. 

Apple Maps has received a comprehensive update for iOS 14 with two major additions: cycling directions and EV routing. 

Cycling Directions 

If you enjoy cycling, you’ll want to try this new feature that gives you directions to lanes exclusively for biking. It will show details of elevation as well as steep roads en route so you can plan your workouts better. It’ll also let you know if there are staircases on your path so you can avoid that route. The new cycling feature will be available in New York, Beijing, San Francisco, Los Angeles and Shanghai.

EV Route Planning

If you own an electric vehicle (EV), you’re familiar with range anxiety. Apple has a solution with its new EV route planning feature. Basically, one needs to enter the stats of their EV in the iPhone before starting a journey. From then, it will keep track of the range and help you plan your route with charging stations at appropriate intervals. For added convenience, it’ll also recommend a charging station and a suitable charger for your vehicle. This feature will initially be offered with Ford and BMW cars with more brands set to follow soon.  

It will also show congested and green zones in certain cities with the aim of reducing pollution and traffic. iPhone users in China get an additional feature wherein they can enter vehicle registration details on their phones for alerts before entering dense areas. On the motorway, they’ll be warned when approaching a speed camera and can even view their placement.