Apple Using OpenStreetMap Data in iPhoto for iOS

Yesterday, we noted that Apple appeared to not be using Google Maps in its new iPhoto app for iOS, although it was unclear exactly where the new mapping data was coming from. Daring Fireball's John Gruber later clarified that Apple was still using Google Maps for the Places functionality in iPhoto for iOS but that maps for Photo Journals and slideshows were coming directly from Apple.

apple campus iphoto ios
The OpenStreetMap Foundation has now issued a blog post revealing that Apple is using at least some of its mapping data for these features, although it does note that Apple is using outdated mapping data and is not crediting appropriately for its usage.

The new iPhoto for iOS, however, uses Apple’s own map tiles – made from OpenStreetMap data (outside the US). [...]

The OSM data that Apple is using is rather old (start of April 2010) so don’t expect to see your latest and greatest updates on there. It’s also missing the necessary credit to OpenStreetMap’s contributors; we look forward to working with Apple to get that on there.

Apple has relied on Google Maps on its iOS devices since the launch of the original iPhone in 2007, but has expressed interest in moving away from Google, clearly due at least in part to tensions between the two companies. Toward that end, Apple has been working hard to beef up its own in-house mapping expertise over the past several years, acquiring several small companies including Placebase, Poly9 and C3 Technologies.

Popular Stories

iOS 18

Apple Releases iOS 18.5 With New Wallpaper, Screen Time Changes, Carrier Satellite Support for iPhone 13 and More

Monday May 12, 2025 10:06 am PDT by
Apple today released iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5, the fifth updates to the iOS 18 and iPadOS 18 operating systems that came out last September. iOS 18.5 and iPadOS 18.5 come a little over a month after Apple released iOS 18.4 and iPadOS 18.4. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. The iOS 18.5 update has a...
tvOS 18 Feature

Apple Releases tvOS 18.5

Monday May 12, 2025 10:01 am PDT by
Apple today released tvOS 18.5, the latest version of the tvOS operating system. tvOS 18.5 comes a little over a month after the launch of tvOS 18.4, and it is available for the Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD models. tvOS 18.5 can be downloaded using the Settings app on the ‌Apple TV‌. Open up Settings and go to System > Software Update to get the new software. ‌Apple TV‌ owners who have...
iPhone 17 Pro Blue Feature Tighter Crop

WSJ: Apple Weighing Price Hikes for iPhone 17 Lineup Without Blaming Tariffs

Monday May 12, 2025 3:36 am PDT by
Apple is considering raising prices for its upcoming iPhone 17 models set to release this fall, according to people familiar with the matter cited by The Wall Street Journal. The company reportedly aims to pair the potential price hikes with new features and design changes to justify the increased cost to consumers, rather than attributing them to U.S. tariffs on goods from China. The...
iOS 18

iOS 18.5 Expected This Week With These New Features

Monday May 12, 2025 7:20 am PDT by
Following more than a month of beta testing, Apple is expected to release iOS 18.5 to the general public this week. While the software update is relatively minor, it still includes a handful of new features and changes for iPhones. Below, we recap everything new in iOS 18.5. Pride Wallpaper Apple recently announced its 2025 Pride Collection, including a new Apple Watch band, watch face,...
macOS Sequoia Feature

Apple Releases macOS Sequoia 15.5

Monday May 12, 2025 10:10 am PDT by
Apple today released macOS Sequoia 15.5, the fifth major update to the macOS Sequoia operating system that launched last September. macOS Sequoia 15.5 comes a little over a month after the launch of macOS Sequoia 15.4. Mac users can download the ‌‌‌macOS Sequoia 15.5‌‌‌ update through the Software Update section of System Settings. It is available for free on all Macs able to run ...
Mayday Calendar

Apple Acquisition Hints at Upgraded Calendar App on iOS 19 or Beyond

Friday May 9, 2025 9:13 am PDT by
Apple acquired Canadian startup Mayday Labs in April 2024, according to a European Commission listing, spotted by French blog MacGeneration. The acquisition had not received widespread attention from tech publications until now. Apple is legally required to report certain acquisitions to the European Commission, under the terms of the EU's Digital Markets Act. Mayday Labs founder Jeremy...
Beyond iPhone 13 Better Triad

20th Anniversary iPhone Will Be Mostly Glass With All-Screen Design

Monday May 12, 2025 2:52 am PDT by
Apple will mark the 10th anniversary of the iPhone X in 2027 by launching a mostly glass, curved iPhone without any cutouts in the display, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. Writing in his latest Power On newsletter, Gurman said the all-screen device will arrive later in 2027, suggesting a fall release. The model will be preceded by Apple's first foldable iPhone, claims the reporter....

Top Rated Comments

MetalMoon Avatar
172 months ago
We don't like google so we'll use these out dated maps for now, that'll will show them. Mwhahahah
Score: 34 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rmwebs Avatar
172 months ago
Pretty poor of Apple not to give credit where its due. I also dont get why they changed the design of the maps...OSM use a pretty nice color scheme on the maps on their site...if you're going to rip off their work, may as well make it look pretty instead of sludge-yellow.
Score: 20 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ihateilove Avatar
172 months ago
These new maps are shockingly ugly. I bet Google is having a good laugh right about now. Hopefully, Apple's internal map team is working hard on improving the quality and these maps.

Be aware, however, that these maps aren't used across the system, but only in a small way within iPhoto. This probably does stop Google getting your location data when you take an image with your iDevice, though, so it can't be too bad.
Score: 16 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jasonsewell Avatar
172 months ago
These new maps are shockingly ugly. I bet Google is having a good laugh right about now. Hopefully, Apple's internal map team is working hard on improving the quality and these maps.
Score: 15 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AustinIllini Avatar
172 months ago
I don't care which service they use, but the one place where I miss my Droid is on the road. Native iPhone maps just do not cut it.
Score: 12 Votes (Like | Disagree)
rmwebs Avatar
172 months ago
Nonsense. If I'm using a program to make a scrapbook (which is exactly where this is implemented) I do NOT want some stupid company logo in the middle of my finished product.

You need to learn how licensing works. Apple have used the maps under a license, and broken the license terms. Just like with Google, they must keep the copyright license information on the maps. It's only fair given that the OSM project is free and done and relies on donations. From the looks of things Apple didn't even pony up a bit of cash to donate to the people that did all the hard work. Hopefully this will change.

IMO I'd rather they continued paying Google - you cant go far wrong with their maps.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)