A journalist has discovered elements in the code of Apple’s application that indicate that the publisher will offer routes specially designed for electric bikes.
Since its launch in 2012, the mapping application Plans, Apple (Maps in English) suffers from comparison with Google Maps, which remains a reference in the field. But for once, Apple could offer a function that Google has not yet planned. The journalist and developer Steve Moser has indeed published a message on Twitter in which he shows new elements in the application (see screenshot below):
Apple is working on e-bike routing in Apple Maps. “Optimize routes and ETAs for powered bicycles. pic.twitter.com/0oBdf5CCBH
—Steve Moser (@SteveMoser) June 22, 2022
We see the term E-bike (electric bicycle) and the phrase Optimize routes and ETAs for powered bicycles (optimize route and arrival time for bikes with a motor). This indicates that Microsoft would offer a route calculation function specially designed for electric bicycles, which Google Maps does not allow.
It is not yet known how Apple will distinguish between a route designed for electrically assisted bicycles (VAE) and another intended for traditional bicycles. For example, it is possible that the former has very steep roads that would be difficult to access for unassisted cycles, but also avoids trails where e-bikes cannot unleash their power. Note that Google still takes VAEs into account in Maps by indicating the places where it is possible to rent them, as well as electric scooters, in the main cities of the world. In a world where car journeys are becoming more and more expensive, it is desirable that bicycles, and in particular, electrically assisted bicycles, are better and better supported by the various mapping applications.
Apple has not confirmed the arrival of routes optimized for pedelecs in Maps, nor specified an availability date. But the publisher said at the last WWDC conference that its app will get a new map background and the ability to add up to 15 stops to your route later this year.
Source :
Tom’s Herdware