Six years perfecting maps on watchOS (david-smith.org)

Article summary

The article discusses the six-year journey of perfecting maps on watchOS, specifically for the Pedometer++ app. The developer shares their design process, from early efforts to the current version, which features a custom mapping engine and a user-friendly interface. The app's mapping support is considered one of the best available on the App Store. The developer also explains why they chose not to use Apple's MapKit, citing limitations in configurability and utility.

Main themes

• watchOS mapping
• app design
• third-party development
• Apple ecosystem
• mapping alternatives
• specialized devices
• default apps vs third-party apps
• ads in Apple Maps
• user preferences

What commenters say

• Some users appreciate the attention to detail and dedication of the developer, making the app a great example of a well-designed and functional tool.
• The primary feature of step tracking is already available on iPhone, but the app offers more than that, including offline maps and other features.
• The bar for creating a better reminders app has been raised, making it more difficult for third-party developers to compete with Apple's default offerings.
• Apple's improvement of default apps has been good for the ecosystem, raising the baseline for quality and encouraging third-party developers to create even better alternatives.
• Some users prefer third-party mapping apps, such as Google Maps or those using OpenStreetMap, over Apple Maps due to their superior functionality and features.
• The inclusion of ads in Apple Maps has led some users to switch to alternative mapping apps, such as Google Maps.
• Specialized devices like Garmin or Coros watches are preferred by some users for their focus on specific activities and better implementation of features like maps.