Reports published after the launch of Apple’s new iPhoto for iOS noted that the mapping integrated into the software was not Google based. It was speculated then that perhaps iPhoto used an in-house iOS map product that Apple has been working on. This turns out not to be the case.
9to5Mac reporter Mark Gurman:
…OpenStreetMap Foundation, the company behind OpenStreetMap, has revealed that iPhoto for iOS actually uses their database. According to the foundation, the data Apple uses is dated to almost two years ago. They also note that they are trying to reach Apple in hopes of gaining attribution inside iPhoto for iOS:
“The OSM data that Apple is using is rather old (start of April 2010) so don’t expect to see your latest and greatest updates on there. It’s also missing the necessary credit to OpenStreetMap’s contributors; we look forward to working with Apple to get that on there.”
The data is coming from Apple’s servers, but they aren’t Apple’s own data. It is unknown if using the OpenStreetMap data is a stop-gap measure until Apple fully develops their own solution. As previously reported, Apple did acquire a 3D mapping company, C3 Technologies. That technology could prove to be the future for Apple’s mapping features.
iPhoto for iOS is now available in the App Store. (App Link)
