Apple Maps has been steadily improving since its introduction several years ago, and now Apple Maps may finally be adding one of Google Maps strongest features, Street View. Google maps users have enjoyed this feature for some time now, giving users an interactive ground level view of just about any location. The Google Street view allows you to view images of any destination, even down to specific neighborhoods. This is a useful feature for Google Maps users, helping them to familiarize with destinations without ever actually being there.
Google achieves this by deploying vehicles with car-mounted cameras to collect images of various locations. Apple has recently announced that they will be, “…driving vehicles around the world to collect data which will be used to improve Apple Maps.” This could mean that Apple may finally be preparing to release its own version of Google Maps Street Views.
Another hint that Apple is readying its own version is the statement on the privacy of the images it acquires. Apple stated, “We are committed to protecting your privacy while collecting this data.” For example, “We will blur faces and license plates on collected images prior to publication.” This is the same thing Google Maps does with its Street View feature, hinting that it may be collecting these images for the same reason. However, Apple has yet to confirm anything regarding the use of these images they are collecting. But, if they are planning to add street views they will most likely announce this in the coming months.