Rumor: Apple lets drones spot roadworks for information in Maps

Apple is flying drones in the United States to spot road works and to see how roads work in a certain area, according to a new rumor. Apple employees must then quickly enter that information into the map program Maps.

With that information, Apple wants to take a lead on competitor Google Maps, writes Bloomberg news agency. The news agency has heard the information from anonymous sources at the company. It has also seen documents in which a government body gives Apple permission to use drones for commercial applications.

It is unknown whether the function will be limited to the United States, although it is obvious. Many Apple services will initially be available in the company’s home country. Apple has not responded to the rumor.

In addition to the drones, Apple is said to be navigating buildings, such as shopping malls. This can be done, for example, with the help of WiFi and Bluetooth signals. GPS does not work indoors, because the antenna in the phone cannot pick up the signal.