There are many great, new features in iOS 13.

iOS 13 was released mid-September, there have been 2 updates since. There are too many major and minor updates and improvements to cover here. If you want the full scoop, you can get it from Apple directly.

Now, let’s be honest. Apple Maps has not been winning hearts from the beginning. In fact, we have done repairs for damages sustained while USING Maps! iPhones have taken the brunt of anger towards this seemingly helpful app.  Have you ever been led in a circle by Maps? It feels like the navigation voice is laughing at you. Doesn’t it seem like it’s trying to get you lost sometimes? Ever wanted to chuck your phone under a bus or into the bay and watch with glee as that stupid nonsense voice said “calculating route”?!

No? Oh, neither have we then.

Has Maps redeemed itself?

Well, there are some pretty great and so far useful features that are helping lower blood pressure somewhat (or at least not raise it!). We’ll stop short of hugging the phone, but it would be wrong not to acknowledge the vast improvement. Apple software designers must know that for every loud complaint they hear, there are a million uttered. It seems they listened.

First, there are the integrations. Maps can detect your calendared events (assuming they have an address entered), mark frequently visited places and mark your parked car (in Apple CarPlay it’s automatic, but you can do it manually by selecting the “i” in the upper right corner).

Second, the navigation voice is more natural. It still sounds like a computer, but rather than telling you to turn right in 1,000 feet (because you can measure feet in your head as you drive, right?), it will tell you to turn at the next light. If that isn’t specific enough (or sometimes the lights are obstructed by large vehicles or trees, etc), you can now SEE the lights on the map as you drive! Stop signs also show, which is so much more helpful than just telling you the distance to your next direction. You will also get more helpful information when there are multiple turn lanes to choose from. No more roulette or trying to read ahead on the turn by turn directions.

Third, you can share your real time ETA with anyone and it will update as you make your way to your destination. That means if traffic gets worse, there’s a delay on the public transit or you have to stop for gas, etc, and you’re meeting someone at your final destination, they’ll know (within reason) exactly when to expect you. No more calling or texting updates and guesses; you can just (try to) relax and enjoy the rest of your journey.

Do you like to fly? Or virtually fly?

Apple has upgraded and added some really helpful and cool features in this version, too. If you travel a lot to different places, you may find the Airport maps really helpful. Not only will they tell you where your gate is, but also what shops are available before and after security. If only they could give you a real time of the Starbucks line …

You may remember seeing pictures and hearing reports of  Apple Maps cars driving across various countries and loads more theories about “why”. Well, it turns out, Apple had decided not to rely on third party map developers *coughGooglecough*.

It also turns out that one of the coolest features on the new Maps is “look around”. You may see it as a tiny pair of binoculars on the map itself when you search a place or on the drag up menu on after you search. Try typing in “San Francisco” or “New York” and then either tap the tiny binoculars or choose “look around” from the drag up menu. You get a street view of the place and you can change position and move your phone to, well, look around! It’s only available in select cities for now. 

Apple has also added a cool “Flyover” virtual reality view and tours of select cities and landmarks. While you’re checking out these cool places, you may want to make a list of sites you’d like to visit someday or learn more about. Well, guess what? That’s part of this feature.

So next time you’re NOT driving, be sure to check out some of these fun new features in Maps. If you need a newer iPhone or a bigger screen, stop by or visit us online. We’re already easy to find, but Maps will make it even easier. TechRestore has iPhone 6s and newer iPhones available now (and financing is a SNAP, if you need it!).

4036 Taylorsville Rd – Louisville, KY 40220  * 502-398-6456 *