Apple is expanding its services by developing the indoor maps application for iOS 11. According to the latest news, once this service is launched, people will have better access to establishments and kiosks inside airports and malls. Currently, the iOS beta is running at limited locations mainly the Mineta San Jose International Airport and Philadelphia International Airport. Shopping malls, on the other hand, include the Westfield San Francisco Centre and Westfield Valley Fair in California.
Once the indoor maps for iOS 11 are launched, it will significantly help people save time and energy finding specific locations inside malls and airports.
More importantly, it will help people discover more places within these establishments that they've never known before. This helpful addition to the Apple Maps is equipped with the most recent and detailed floor plan of major shopping malls and airports where the app is available.
What are the options when using indoor maps on iOS11?
According to the latest update about the indoor maps on iOS 11, people will be able to view the floor plans of airports and malls with detailed information about check-in desks, boarding gates, baggage claims, carousels and much more inside the airport. For the shopping malls, visitors will be able to scan each floor and locate stores using the search option. Not only that, but the indoor maps for iOS 11 is expanding the service by including when a certain store is open within the mall.
Interestingly, users of the app will be able to zoom in and zoom out the location for more information. What's even likable about the app, is its ability to categorize search like narrowing it down to food, clothes, shoes, beauty and more. Unfortunately, this feature is still in a closed beta wherein, the second beta testing was only released last Wednesday.
Take note that upon launch, the feature will not be available worldwide. Instead, it will primarily be available to selected cities mainly Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, Miami, New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco and Washington D.C. Outside the United States, the indoor maps for iOS 11 will be available to cities in Amsterdam, Berlin, Tokyo, and Toronto.
When are the indoor maps for iOS 11 available for public testing?
The indoor maps, as part of the Apple Maps for iOS 11 will be available for public testing later this month. The update will automatically appear on your iOS devices, while the whole software update is expected to launch this fall. This new Apple feature was revealed at the recently concluded WWDC 2017.
