Google Maps might be many people’s first choice when wanting to get directions or find the address of their local takeaway but a new update could make Apple’s mapping software a lot more popular.
Search engine DuckDuckGo has just announced that all of its map and address-related searches are now being powered by Apple Maps.
The online platform says that this change will offer users improved address searches, additional visual features, enhanced satellite imagery, and continually updated maps already in use on billions of Apple devices worldwide.
DuckDuckGo has long boasted about its privacy policy and it seems this is a big reason why it’s decided to use Apple’s mapping service over rival suppliers.
Apple has been very clear about the data it collects from its users with Apple Maps never gathering information such as the identify of users or the exact start and end of their journey.
In a statement the firm said: “At DuckDuckGo, we believe getting the privacy you deserve online should be as simple as closing the blinds.
“Naturally, our strict privacy policy of not collecting or sharing any personal information extends to this integration.
“We do not send any personally identifiable information such as IP address to Apple or other third parties.
“For local searches, where your approximate location information is sent by your browser to us, we discard it immediately after use.
“You are still anonymous when you perform map and address-related searches on DuckDuckGo.
“We’re excited to work closely with Apple to set a new standard of trust online, and we hope you’ll enjoy this update.”
Apple recently made it easier for companies to use its mapping software with the launch of MapKit JS which brings many of the elements that users are familiar with from iOS to the Web, such as iOS-style annotations, automatic annotation clustering, smooth zooming, and support for rich gestures such as pinch-to-zoom and two finger rotation.
The app has also received numerous updates since it first launched in 2012 with it now offering improved visuals, better alerts and even indoor maps which can help navigate places such as airports.