Apple Maps adds over 250 Indigenous names across Australia, New Zealand

Apple Maps has introduced significant updates in Australia and New Zealand, adding dual placenames for Indigenous lands, including over 250 names that reflect both English and Aboriginal or Māori heritage. The initiative, developed in collaboration with local Indigenous groups, aims to honor cultural significance and enhance visibility for traditional owners, with features that will extend to other applications like Weather and Find My. These changes come as part of a broader commitment to reconciliation and recognition of Indigenous rights, mirroring similar efforts in the US and Canada. Local groups are encouraged to contribute stories and images, fostering a sense of ownership over the mapping process. While the updates have garnered support for their role in promoting Indigenous heritage, they may also face backlash from those resistant to the changes. Apple emphasizes that the project is about more than just mapping; it's about empowering communities and supporting cultural revitalization.