Developers and beta testers running iOS 14.5 have noticed Apple Maps has new options for reporting accidents, hazards, and speed checks.
As MacRumors reports, this new version of Apple Maps allows you to flag a specific location along a route simply by tapping a Report button, or saying “Hey Siri, there’s an accident,” for example. In either case, your current location will be flagged in Maps and shared with other Maps users along with the type of report so they can choose to avoid it if possible.
Apple is also making the feature available through CarPlay, with the same Report button and Accident, Hazard, or Speed Check options available to attach to the location flag. This should make it easier to take the time to make the report if you’re driving alone and shouldn’t be fumbling with your phone.
For now, the Report feature is limited to iOS 14.5 beta testers and users in the US. It seems likely Apple will role it out worldwide once testing is complete and any major bugs have been fixed. As Google Maps and Waze already offer such reporting, it’s a key feature for Apple to implement to better compete with rivals. There are a number of other reasons to give Apple Maps a try, though.
