Apple has begun testing the new Apple Maps on the Italian Peninsula as part of the iOS 15 developer and public betas.
The update includes areas in Italy, including Sardinia and Sicily, but does not include Malta at this time. Additionally, San Marino and Vatican City are also part of this update.
The new maps have expanded green areas, reclassified roads, and new 3D landmark features. In order to view these maps, users will need to be using a device on either the iOS 15 developer or public betas. However, it is likely that the update will be available to everyone soon, as tests usually last one month before rolling out to the general public.
The update was discovered by avid Apple Maps watcher, Justin O'Beirne, who has uncovered previous Apple Maps updates for Spain, UK and Ireland, and US cities like Portland, San Diego, and Atlanta.
As O'Beirne points out, once the update is released for all Apple Maps users, Italy, San Marino, and Vatican City will be the seventh, eighth, and ninth countries added to Apple's revamped Apple Maps.
Apple Maps will soon be getting major updates in an upcoming overhaul, including more detailed maps, time-specific navigation, and improvements to transit directions.