Apple Is Rebuilding Malaysia Maps For Its App; Apple Maps Vehicles Will Roam Around Capturing Data

If you regularly use maps on your iPhone to navigate in Malaysia, you might notice that Apple Maps aren’t as good as its biggest competitor, Google Maps. But, Apple is looking to fix that.

The company says they are rebuilding the maps in Malaysia by deploying Apple Maps vehicles and people with portable systems throughout the country, according to an email sent to us.

Apple says they are:

Conducting ground surveys with vehicles around the world to collect data to improve Apple Maps and to support the Look Around feature.

Vehicle surveys may use equipment mounted on the outside of vehicles as well as iPhones, iPads, or other devices inside of vehicles.

We may periodically revisit and re-collect data in some of those locations in an effort to maintain a high-quality, up-to-date map.

The company also added that they will be collecting imagery and LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) data in areas across Malaysia beginning November 2023.

Apple says that they are committed to protecting your privacy, and they will censor faces, house numbers, and licence plates on images before they publish them in the app.

Apple has also provided a schedule on when and where the Apple Maps vehicles will be roaming around as well.

As you can see, collecting the necessary data takes quite a long time to complete, so don’t expect to see updated Malaysia maps on the app anytime soon.