The map application of Apple contains a lot of details and in an accessible way you can explore the countries, cities, regions and areas worldwide. Did you know that you can also view a 3D version of the earth in the map app.
In a special way you can then view the world in its entirety, discover new places and admire the journey of daylight. Unfortunately, not all iPhone, iPad and Mac models can display the 3D world ball, we explain how it works.
Conditions 3D version Earth
Do you want to view a 3D version of the earth in the map app of Apple? Then you must be in possession of a supporting device. Do you have an older device? Then you cannot view the 3D version or only a minimalist representation thereof, for all details you need a device from the list below.
- iPhone XS, iPhone XR or newer
- iPad Pro from 2018 or newer
- iPad mini from 2019 or newer
- iPad Air from 2019 or newer
- iPad from 2020 or newer
- Mac with Apple Silicon
3D world ball in cards
To view the 3D version of the earth in the map app, it is sufficient to follow the steps below.
- Open the card app on your iPhone, iPad or Mac
- Zoom out (with two finger squeeze on the screen/trackpad or minus button on the Mac)
- Keep zooming out until you see the 3D world ball
Digital or satellite
You can then display the earth in different ways: digital or satellite. Tap or click on the map or globe symbol above the location arrow and choose a desired card.
Choose ‘Explore’ to view a digital version of the earth. The different landscapes, countries and regions are displayed with the help of colors. Blue for water, green for forbering, beige for sandy plains, gray for mountain ranges and white for snow and ice plains. By tilting the earth you get to see a 3D effect and sometimes depth, for example at Bergen.
If you choose satellite, you will see a special representation that also takes into account day and night. At a glance you can see where it is day and night in the world. Tap or click on the compass symbol on the map to correctly position the earth again.