Apple Maps gets new 3D, data-laden maps in three European countries

Apple has rolled out updated Maps data for three new countries in Europe, complete with 3D landmarks and more.

With the updated maps users in Finland, Norway, and Sweden can look forward to high-fidelity mapping data that not only shows landmarks in 3D but also features more detailed road information and more.

The updated Apple Maps data is now available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac users in all three countries with no software update required.

A landmark update

The new 3D landmarks are already available in a number of other cities including Los Angeles, Miami, Philadelphia, San Diego, and London and Apple says (opens in new tab) that users can look forward to improved views of “landmarks such as Olofsborg in Finland, Akershus fortress in Norway, and Palmhuset in Sweden.”

“Maps are the best way to explore and navigate the world while protecting your privacy. We’re excited to offer even more users this experience with the new features we’re launching today,” said Eddy Cue, Senior Vice President of Services via press release.  Note the not-so-subtle dig at Google Maps with regard to privacy. “Maps have been redesigned from the ground up with better navigation, greater detail, and more accurate location information. It also includes great features that only Apple can offer, including Look Around and Natural Language Guidance.”

Alongside the 3D maps people can now make use of Look Around, a feature that displays interactive 3D images at street level.

Apple Maps is also available on the Apple Watch and can be used while driving thanks to CarPlay. Own a car that doesn’t have CarPlay built in? Our collection of the best CarPlay receivers should have you up and running in no time at all.

Apple Maps users in Finland, Norway, and Sweden should notice the new maps the next time they open the app on compatible devices. If not, try giving your device a restart and trying again.

Oliver Haslam has written about Apple and the wider technology business for more than a decade with bylines on How-To Geek, PC Mag, iDownloadBlog, and many more. He has also been published in print for Macworld, including cover stories. At iMore, Oliver is involved in daily news coverage and, not being short of opinions, has been known to ‘explain’ those thoughts in more detail, too.

Having grown up using PCs and spending far too much money on graphics card and flashy RAM, Oliver switched to the Mac with a G5 iMac and hasn’t looked back. Since then he’s seen the growth of the smartphone world, backed by iPhone, and new product categories come and go. Current expertise includes iOS, macOS, streaming services, and pretty much anything that has a battery or plugs into a wall. Oliver also covers mobile gaming for iMore, with Apple Arcade a particular focus. He’s been gaming since the Atari 2600 days and still struggles to comprehend the fact he can play console quality titles on his pocket computer.