Apple iOS 16/15 3D Maps feature has landed in Chicago and Las Vegas

Apple is expanding its rich and detailed 3D map capabilities to two new US cities - Chicago and Las Vegas. The feature will first roll out to Maps users in London, Los Angeles, New York City, and San Francisco with the release of iOS 15 in September 2021.

Apple 3D maps are different from satellite 3D maps. New 3D views show rich elements custom designed for neighborhoods, business districts, marinas, buildings, and more. Users can see elevation details across the city, new road labels, and hundreds of custom-designed landmarks.

The 3D map also includes road details such as turn lanes, medians, bus and taxi lanes, and pedestrian crossings. Highways with overlapping complex intersections are rendered in a road-level 3D view, making it easier for drivers to see.

The 3D map contains everything from iconic Las Vegas hotels to multi-story highway interchanges. There's also a night mode with moonlight that activates after dusk.

With Apple iOS 16, drivers can also create routes with multiple stops and sync them with other Apple devices. Transit directions will also show the cost of the journey, while also allowing users to top up transit cards using the wallet app, all within the map. Apple 3D Maps will soon add support for more cities including Montreal, Toronto, and Vancouver.