The cancellation of the Apple Car has prompted Apple to double down on enhancing Apple Maps, recognizing software and services as key avenues for growth in the automotive sector.
Apple Maps and CarPlay take center stage in this strategic push, with significant updates planned for both platforms in the coming year. However, Apple’s vision extends beyond immediate improvements, as evidenced by a recent patent revealing plans for automatic navigation based on transportation modes.
Dubbed “transportation mode specifics navigation user interfaces,” the patent outlines a system where Apple Maps utilizes the phone’s sensors to determine the user’s mode of transportation automatically. This innovative approach streamlines the navigation experience, eliminating the need for manual mode selection before each journey.
The patent details how Apple Maps prompts users with relevant information based on their detected transportation mode, such as suggesting walking directions when it detects pedestrian movement. Moreover, it allows for seamless transitions between different modes of transportation within a single journey, improving the general convenience for the user.
While the technology is still in the patent stage, Apple’s commitment to improving Apple Maps suggests a potential future where navigation becomes more intuitive and user-friendly, positioning Apple as a leading player in the digital navigation space.
