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Apple's new iOS 9 mapping features leave Canadians in the dust

The Hoff may have all the bells and whistles in K.I.T.T., but Canadian iOS users will have to wait indefinitely.
The Hoff may have all the bells and whistles in K.I.T.T., but Canadian iOS users will have to wait indefinitely.

Earlier this week, Apple hosted its annual Worldwide Developers Conference and showed off impressive upgrades to Apple Maps, the punch line of many jokes in the past, and CarPlay, which uses an iPhone to, essentially, turn an automobile's built-in display into K.I.T.T. from Knight Rider. Unfortunately, Canadians are once again left in the dust as it appears some of these features won't be made available to those of us north of the border. At least not right away, it seems.

CarPlay

Formally known as ‘iOS in the Car,’ CarPlay lets users pair their iPhone to their car via Bluetooth so they can make calls, respond to text messages, change music and use satellite navigation without taking their hands off the wheel and eyes off the road.

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Manufactures like BMW, Mazda, Honda, Ford, Audi and Ferrari, just to name a few, are featured on the CarPlay website which means you can expect further integration between smartphone and automobile in the not-so-distant future.

Ultimately, this is all pretty standard stuff nowadays even if you don't have an iPhone. Most vehicles have options where you can pair your smartphone to the auto's control panel to do many of the same things. The real backbone of the software, though, is Apple Maps and that’s where the problems for Canadians start to arise.

Apple Maps

According to the Apple website, between June 15-30 Apple will be "driving vehicles around the world to collect data which will be used to improve Apple Maps." The problem? The world apparently doesn't include Canada. Apple vehicles will be rolling out in Ireland, England and in 13 U.S. states exclusively. That means Canadians will be missing a few things:

Don't expect Apple’s version of Google Street View. The only way Apple can get a ground-level view of a street is to actually be on the street (go figure, right?). Until Apple's vehicle brigade makes its way up north, we wouldn't hold our breath for this feature just yet.

Don't expect Transit view. Transit view, the Apple Maps database of useful public transit information, bus schedules, subway times and more will only be available in Toronto to start. Great for Torontonians but very unfortunate for all other Canadians. The good news, however, is that cities such as Barrie, Pickering and Milton have already gotten proactive updates. Hopefully this isn't an aberration and Apple shares the love with other provinces quickly.

Don't expect indoor mapping. One of the overshadowed features of the new Apple Maps is the promise of indoor mapping. While experimental and very, very early in its development, Canadians probably shouldn't expect to see the inside of their nearest Tim Hortons.

Set for release sometime in September 2015, we're eagerly awaiting all iOS 9 updates, but those specifically regarding CarPlay and an updated Maps app sorely need a makeover. We're hoping Apple can kick the tires and provide some updated Canadian content sooner rather than later.