Apple has purchased mapping startup Mapsense, reports Re/code. Mapsense is a San Francisco-based startup that's able to sort through massive geotagged datasets to create quick geographical visualizations of location-based data points that can be embedded into apps.
According to its website, Mapsense built a cloud-based high-speed mapping engine that could ingest and index huge amounts of data with "lightning fast" search and filtering and simple visual analysis tools.
There are over 10 billion devices on the planet streaming location data on a daily basis. While collecting location data has become mainstream, the traditional tools to visualize, understand, and harness it have been hampered by the speed and scale of this massive and complex new datasource. Mapsense's platform and developer tools help organizations quickly ingest and analyze billions of rows of location data to make more intelligent, locally targeted business decisions across the organization.
Apple is said to have paid between $25 and $30 million for Mapsense, and its 12-person team will join Apple. Apple confirmed the acquisition to Re/code with its standard acquisition statement: "Apple buys smaller technology companies from time to time, and we generally do not discuss our purpose or plans."
It is not clear what Apple will use the Mapsense technology for, but this is just one of a long line of mapping companies Apple has purchased to improve its Maps app. Over the past several years, Apple has purchased companies like HopStop, Coherent Navigation, Locationary, WifiSLAM, Embark, and Broadmap.
Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by Joe Rossignol
While the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate is now available ahead of a public release, the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April.
Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far.
iOS 26.3
iPhone to Android Transfer Tool
iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Tuesday February 3, 2026 12:45 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple recently acquired Israeli startup Q.ai for close to $2 billion, according to Financial Times sources. That would make this Apple's second-biggest acquisition ever, after it paid $3 billion for the popular headphone maker Beats in 2014.
This is also the largest known Apple acquisition since the company purchased Intel's smartphone modem business and patents for $1 billion in 2019....
Thursday February 5, 2026 12:54 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple turns 50 this year, and its CEO Tim Cook has promised to celebrate the milestone. The big day falls on April 1, 2026.
"I've been unusually reflective lately about Apple because we have been working on what do we do to mark this moment," Cook told employees today, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "When you really stop and pause and think about the last 50 years, it makes your heart ...
Wednesday February 4, 2026 7:44 am PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple today began selling certified refurbished iPhone 16, iPhone 16 Plus, iPhone 16 Pro, and iPhone 16 Pro Max models on its online store in the U.S., with prices discounted by 12% to 22% compared to Apple's current or former pricing for the devices.
Here were Apple's starting prices when the devices launched in September 2024:
iPhone 16: $799
iPhone 16 Plus: $899
iPhone 16 Pro:...
Wednesday February 4, 2026 12:29 pm PST by Joe Rossignol
Apple on Tuesday previewed 12 new shows and films that will be premiering on the Apple TV streaming service throughout 2026.
The new series:
Imperfect Women — March 18, 2026
Margo's Got Money Troubles — April 15, 2026
Widow's Bay — April 29, 2026
Maximum Pleasure Guaranteed — May 20, 2026
Cape Fear — June 5, 2026
Lucky — July 15, 2026
The new films:
Eternity — ...
Insert your "Google Maps is better" comments below:
Paper foldable maps are better! You can instantly view the entire map at once without screen size restrictions, and you can fold them up into a pocketable size when you're done.
It is not clear what Apple will use the Mapsense technology for, but
Why does MacRumors always feel obliged to preface every supposition they make with a "It is not clear, but " disclaimer. Looking back at the last month or so's articles, I found they did it more than 30 times. That gets a little tiring to read don't you think. It adds almost nothing to the discussion because we already know that you don't know and are only making guesses. You don't need to apologize every time for not knowing.
Here look for yourself:
It is not clear what Apple will use the Mapsense technology for...
It is not clear why Apple has chosen today to create a new Twitter account for gaming...
It is not clear what colors Apple is planning to introduce, but ...
It is not clear if this update will add any outward-facing changes to El Capitan,...
It was not clear to me which of the bugs I encountered were the fault of Apple...
It is not clear what will be introduced in iOS 9.1, but...
It is not clear if Apple has plans to allow third-party developers to create watch faces, but...
It is not clear what is included in the fifth beta as Apple has not released a new seventh developer beta,...
It is not clear when Apple will release a patch for machines running OS X Yosemite...
It is not clear if the visits came from existing iOS devices...
It is not clear when service will be restored for affected customers...
It is not clear where the Apple Store will be located within the mall, but...
It is not clear if all of Cortana's functionality is available when run this way, but ...
It is not clear what Apple plans to do with the office space, but...
It is not clear when Apple began its Apple Music advertising push, but ...
It is not clear if Apple will adopt 3D Xpoint when it first becomes available, but...
You rather they don't make moves to improve at all? Late is better right? Beside, they started to improve map as soon as they released it. Map and navigation are not easy. It takes Google years to get good and even google is still having the wrong data in so many places.
Even after 3 years, Apple is still sooooo far behind Google Maps. What do they do all day? As they say, if your try to be good at everything you'll be good at nothing.
Map and navigation are not easy. It takes Google years to get good and even google is still having the wrong data in so many places.
