iOS devices use Google Maps by default for mapping purposes. The interface and usability has been almost the same since the launch of the iPhone in 2007. Apple [AAPL] could be looking at stepping up the mapping game though by introducing 3D graphics. Apple purchased a company called C3 Technologies that provides 3D maps. This is the second mapping company that was acquired by Apple.
The people behind C3 Technologies are now working within Apple from what we understand. Due to the type of work that C3 Technologies does, it is strongly believed that some powerful 3D mapping is coming to iOS devices.
C3 Technologies is the leading provider of 3D mapping solutions, offering photo-realistic models of the world for search, navigation and geographic information systems.
If Apple is using the C3 Technologies work then a demonstration of what could be coming to the iPhone can be seen in the videos below.
As well as using mind blowing 3D maps, Apple could also be crowd-sourcing traffic data to create a decent traffic system. As there are a lot of iPhones and iPad 3Gs around, Apple could use data collected (with permission we assume) and create accurate traffic maps which will divert users when one particular route gets more busy.
The a look at the sample videos below to see what could be coming:
To see how the 3D maps are created, watch the impressive video below:
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