Apple to Leverage Maps Imagery for AI Training Initiatives

Apple announces the utilization of its Maps’ Look Around feature images for training generative AI models, enhancing image recognition and creation technologies.

So, Apple’s got this new plan up its sleeve—turning those snazzy images from Maps’ Look Around into fuel for their generative AI models. Kicking off this month, they’re all in on supercharging AI stuff, from recognizing your cat in photos to, who knows, maybe creating the next viral meme.

Look Around, Apple’s answer to Google Street View, lets you peek at places like you’re actually there. And don’t worry, they’re not turning into Big Brother—faces and license plates get the blur treatment. Now, they’re just adding a tiny footnote: those blurred pics? Perfect for teaching AI the ropes, starting with surveys from March 2025.

Curious if Apple’s gonna snap your neighborhood? Their Maps page spills the beans on where and when the survey crews are rolling through. It’s kinda like what Google’s been doing with Street View for ages, but hey, better late than never, right?

Apple’s already playing with some cool AI toys, like Image Playground (imagine typing ‘unicorn in space’ and bam, there it is) and Clean Up in Photos (goodbye, photobombers). Clearly, they’re not just dipping toes but diving headfirst into making AI part of everything they do.