Apple Maps may provide real-time crowd data for points of interest

iOS and iPadOS 14.5 are scheduled to be released in early spring. Apple has begun testing a new feature that can provide users of Apple Maps with real-time crowd data on points of interest, similar to Google Maps.

In the iOS and iPadOS 14.5 beta, the update section of the “Location Services” menu in Apple’s privacy settings pointed out that Apple will collect user data, such as when a specific application near a point of interest is opened, Apple will collect this data to determine the degree of congestion in the location and whether the specific service is open.

Routing and traffic functions can also send the GPS data, driving speed and air pressure information in the iPhone to Apple in an anonymous and encrypted form when you are on the way (for example, walking or driving), which is used to enhance the road traffic and atmosphere of crowdsourced.

Revise the data database library. In addition, when you open an app near a point of interest (for example, a business or a park), the iPhone will send location data to Apple in an anonymous and encrypted form. Apple may aggregate and use this data to let users know whether the point of interest is open And how busy it is.

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This means that if a user opens an application for a particular business or service near a relevant point of interest on Apple Maps, Apple may aggregate this data to possibly inform other users how crowded the place is and whether the business/service is operating.

It is worth noting that Apple said that only when the “Routing and Traffic” setting is turned on in “Location Services -> System Services” will it collect users’ anonymous and encrypted data. Currently, Apple Maps does not provide a front-end interface to display these data to users. The lack of visual features and Apple’s wording suggest that Apple is testing and collecting data in order to launch related features in the official public version of iOS 14.5, and may also be launched in subsequent versions.

Google Maps already provides a similar real-time function called “Live Visit Data”, which can inform users how busy a particular store or company is at a particular time. Google provides this data by collecting aggregate and anonymous data from users who have opted into Google’s location history.

The iOS 14.5 beta version has already appeared in the Apple Maps, users crowdsourced car accidents, speed cameras and hazard warnings and other functions. The new features of Apple Maps have been added to the list of features that have been widely available in iOS and iPad OS 14.5, including the ability to make app tracking transparent, and unlock the iPhone with a mask. Apple said the update will be rolled out to all users in “early spring.”

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