Why would Apple’s new Maps app include references to Intel based graphics chipsets in its code?
Apple purchasing several mapping companies over the last fews years, Apple is finally replacing Google Maps with its own solution in iOS 6. But it seems the Cupertino company may be planning to expand it beyond iOS. One developer has discovered some code within the iOS 6 beta that indicates Maps will also be coming to OS X later on.
TechPP has published some code taken from the iOS 6 beta that was spotted by developer Cody Cooper, which references an Intel based graphics chipset:
Our developer friend, Cody Cooper has now stumbled upon an interesting code dump in iOS 6 maps application which hints at the possibility of Apple Maps coming to Macs in the near future.
During his routine investigation of Maps app, Cody found some interesting bits in the file _altitude_manifest.xml_
In this XML file, there is a reference to a set of Intel based graphics chipsets for which certain features like Shading are disabled.
Of course, Intel based graphics chipsets certainly aren’t built into Apple’s iOS devices, but they can be found in the company’s Macs. And although this code isn’t proof that Maps for OS X will arrive, it’s certainly very promising. 9to5Mac suggests the code could in fact point to some kind of Maps integration — for things like iPhoto — rather than a dedicated Maps app.
To me, Maps for OS X makes a lot of sense. Apple is already working to bring iOS features to the Mac — such as Reminders, Notes, and Notification Center — and maps would work well on a big screen. Sure, you’re not going open up your MacBook Air to find a local Starbucks or navigate your way around a new neighborhood, but there are plenty of things you would use Maps on a Mac for. Planning a trip, for example.
Also, now that Apple has this incredible new Maps app, surely it wants us to make the most of it.
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