At today's WWDC keynote, Apple introduced a new Maps app for the Mac. The app, which is similar to the iOS version, supports Flyover and points of interest. Users can add directions and locations to their bookmarks, which can then be sent directly to the iPhone as the two apps are able to sync with one another.

The new Maps also allows for better system wide mapping integration. For example, the redesigned calendar app incorporates maps, allowing directions to meetings to be inserted directly into calendar events.

apps
Apple is also planning to bring iBooks to the Mac with a new dedicated app. On stage, Craig Federighi demoed textbooks in the new iBooks app on the Mac, showing full screen videos and demonstrating the note taking capabilities of the app.

The app incorporates study cards that are drawn from notes taken while reading, in order to facilitate better studying habits. Both of the new apps will be available with the release of OS X Mavericks. Mavericks will be available for developers today and will be released for the general public this fall.

Related Forum: OS X Mavericks

Top Rated Comments

165 months ago
The most annoying part about it are the sheep that clapped about iBooks. Again, there is no reason why this shouldn't have been here all along.

Maybe that's why they clapped? I've been wanting it since I don't think I can stand reading a book on an iPhone long term. I hope reading on a 13" MBP will be pleasant.

Why does an operating system need Maps? If you have internet access surely you'd use Google Maps or something else that's reliable.

Apple fans that are wanting to stay in the Apple ecosystem. When I'm at home I've looked up stuff on Google Maps and then had to search again on Apple's Maps when I'm in my car. Being able to sit at home, plan my stuff, have it sync with iCal (Calendar??), then just push it all to my iPhone makes everything so much nicer. I'm not sure if you can do that with Google Maps, maybe if you have an Android device.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
165 months ago
Why does an operating system need Maps? If you have internet access surely you'd use Google Maps or something else that's reliable.

why not?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
GoCubsGo Avatar
165 months ago
The most annoying part about it are the sheep that clapped about iBooks. Again, there is no reason why this shouldn't have been here all along.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Northgrove Avatar
165 months ago
Why does an operating system need Maps? If you have internet access surely you'd use Google Maps or something else that's reliable.
Deep OS integration. Apple aren't just interested in showing maps; they're interested in using this information throughout the OS. For example, the new Calendar integration that automatically shows you the travel distance by car or foot to whatever you've added in it. Or the new OS X feature to share the driving directions to someone's iPhone on the road via iCloud. Google Maps hasn't got a clue on how to do that.

While Google Maps does have a public API, I doubt they're willing to support the rather large user base of OS X with API access. It's not really the intention with it.

Because Apple now has an own map service, they're free to use it however they wish. We're only now starting to see the fruits of this effort; I'm sure there is more to come in the future. It's being used for non-obvious things too, such as the new automated "moments" display in iOS 7. It uses the geographic metadata to map the coordinates to locations in their map service (reverse geocoding).
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
165 months ago
I sent a bitchy e-mail to Tim Cook quite some time ago complaining about the ridiculous situation where you could buy an iBook on a Mac, but not read it. There you go - he listened to me! Ha ha.

It's not in the first beta. Maps is. It's OK

----------

Well, obviously, they do have a clue as to how to do that; they already do that and more, just on Android devices. Android devices can not only send maps to phones, they do it automatically if you have Google Now, along with offering turn by turn navigation as soon as your phone starts moving. It's really already way beyond what Apple is offering.

Obviously, I'm a Google Maps fanboy...

Why is every other post on this thread one simultaneously bragging about a feature another company has and at the same time complaining that Apple added it?

Is there some rule that only the first person to have something can ever have it that I'm not aware of? Are we all patent trolls now?

Personally, I'm glad when Apple adds things that others have that are nice. No one (rational) is saying that Google doesn't have good stuff. And, please, it's not like everyone hasn't borrowed a thing or two from Apple....
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
165 months ago
What about Newsstand!

What about Newsstand? I'd like to read my mags on my macs too
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...