In iOS 15, Apple’s Maps app includes the ability to use augmented reality walking directions in some big cities, and today we learned that Tokyo has become the latest place to use it.
AR mode can map walking directions to the real world by using the iPhone’s rear camera, making it easier for users in built-up areas to see where they need to go and reducing the need to look down at their smartphone while moving.
The availability of this feature in Tokyo was discovered by Ata Distance, and maps of other Japanese cities outside Tokyo may also be in effect, but it’s hard to know if it’s not there.
To initiate a walking route, iPhone users can lift their device and follow the prompts to scan for buildings around them, and step-by-step walking directions will automatically appear in AR mode, making it easier for people to get where they need to go, especially in road conditions Complex instructions are tricky situations.
According to Apple’s feature availability page, AR walking navigation is available in London, Los Angeles, Montreal, New York Philadelphia, San Diego, San Francisco Bay Area, Singapore, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington DC. Japan has not been added to this list before.