Apple Maps in the iOS 17 update shows free EV chargers around you.
Apple is preparing to unveil its latest update to its mobile operating system, iOS 17, with a slew of new features to its default apps, like Phone, iMessage, and FaceTime. There are also numerous smaller updates to existing apps that will make life easier for iPhone owners.
One such innovation has appeared in the new update to Apple Maps. Coming with iOS 17, Apple will not only map out free electric car chargers around you, but will also let you know which ones are busy so you can plan your charging session based on your remaining range, Apple says.
Given the proliferation of electric vehicles in the US, where in the last quarter alone their sales increased by 79% compared to the same period last year, this update could prove to be a godsend for Americans with iPhones, who make up half of all phone owners in the US.
The driver will also be able to select their preferred charging partner, whether it's Tesla's massive Supercharger network, Chargepoint, Electrify America, and more. Not only that, but it will also give you the availability of free charging spots at the moment, which would be very useful for Tesla and other EV owners who don't want to arrive only to find all the spots taken.
The list can also be sorted by plug type, although that may become less important now that both Ford and GM have said they will use Tesla's extensive Supercharger network from now on and have even adopted the thinner NACS connector.
The US government is also building a national EV charging network with a budget of $7.5 billion and plans to place half a million new charging points in cities, major highways, and even rural areas.
Information source: phonearena.com
