Apple revamps Maps in the Netherlands and moves to allow third-party app shops
Two updates from the Apple front: the company has totally revamped the maps of its Maps app in the Netherlands. For instance, they have much more detail and you can view environments via 360-degree photos. In addition, Apple is going to allow other providers on iPhones in its app shop from 2024. This from pressure from the European Union, which is imposing stricter rules on larger tech giants.
Apple Maps
Until now, Apple used maps it made itself based on data from TomTom, among others. That has changed: in recent years, the company has been sending its own cars and planes over and through all of the Netherlands and surrounding countries that have been collecting new information with cameras and all sorts of sensors. This created much more detailed maps that have now also been rolled out for Dutch Apple consumers. No update is needed for this, they are updated automatically on Apple's side. This is another immediate advantage of the new maps, they are quickly updated when there is a traffic situation change. Also, the new maps offer much more detail. Green areas, for example, are much better identified with a distinction between parks, forests, golf courses and sports complexes. Water is also indicated more accurately with details at quays, coastlines, rivers and risers. Towns and villages are also much more detailed and, for example, shopping areas are coloured yellow (previously they were barely distinguishable from other buildings on maps). You can view the maps in 3D to also see and distinguish all buildings individually. The Netherlands can now also be viewed in 360 degrees with photos, with the "Kijk Rond" feature and reminiscent of Google Streetview.
Better car navigation, cycling maps coming soon
With the introduction of these new maps, in-car navigation is also a lot more detailed. For instance, users now see speed limits and voice assistance can also be enabled and referred to while driving. Instead of "Turn left in 300 metres", the navigation now says "Turn left at the next traffic light" because the app knows there is now a traffic light there. Arrival is also taken into account, so users are not led to the edge of a shopping area or car park, but really to the destination. Navigation for bikes is unfortunately still lacking in the Netherlands. However, we do think the map update has laid a foundation for cycling maps as well, which Apple says is high on the list for future innovations.
Third-party app shops allowed for iPhone from 2024
According to Bloomberg, Apple is preparing for third-party app stores within iOS. Until now, Apple has always refused this, consumers can only download apps through the Apple App Store. However, this now seems to be changing due to new EU regulations expected in 2024. Thus, Apple employees are busy preparing to open up "certain parts" of Apple platforms to outside parties. This is to eventually allow iPhone and iPad users to install apps outside the Apple App Store through other providers. These apps will therefore not be subject to the 30% commission Apple currently charges for apps in the App Store. For now, Apple would like to introduce this change only within the European Union. After all, from 2024, large tech companies have to comply with the new European laws package the Digital Markets Act.
As an Apple user, will you also download apps from third-party app shops or will you stick to the Apple App Store?
