In a disclosure spotted by 9to5Mac, Apple will start using images it collects for Maps to train its AI models. Apple noted that starting this month, it would use images it captures to provide its Look Around feature for the additional purpose of training some of its generative AI models.
Look Around is Apple’s answer to Google Street View that’s been training AI models for years. The tool lets users see locations from ground level. Apple blurs faces and license plates photographed in Look Around images to protect the privacy of any individuals caught in its survey efforts.
This includes using data to train models powering Apple products and services, including models related to image recognition, creation, and enhancement. Apple currently offers a few different features like Image Playground and Clean Up in Photos that rely on image generation models.
The company’s Apple Maps image collection policy page provides a list of regions and dates when it plans to collect new images for Look Around. You can find when Apple’s survey crews and vehicles plan to visit your area by sorting by country and then clicking on a specific region.
For more details on how Apple Maps protects your privacy, click here.
