While much of the hype has been focused squarely on Apple’s new iPhone 8 and X, little has been made of a remarkable new feature that allows users to explore some of the world's biggest cities with the push of a button

In a bid to compete against the increasingly popular Google Maps, Apple Maps has introduced a '3D Flyover tour' feature.

Described as the “most undersold feature in the iOS 11 software update” and a “cleaner Google Earth”, Apple drew little attention to the simplified, augmented reality setting.

When iPhone users search for one of the many locations enabled with flyover mode, they are able to explore streets of cities such as New York and Sydney in a 360-degree video.

View photos The feature allows iPhone users to take a virtual tour in hundreds of the worlds biggest cities. Source: Apple Maps More

View photos Little has been made of Apple's 3D 'Flyover' mode. Source: Apple Maps More

The features allows users to change their point of view by scrolling around the streets as you normally would with a 3D map.

However, the more passive experience takes control of the tour and explores the likes of Sydney, London, New York, Madrid and hundreds more.

Try it out for yourself: Open Apple Maps > Type in city or address > hit 'Flyover Tour'.

Those that took the virtual tour were stunned at the mimimal exposure Apple had placed on the feature.

View photos The tour takes users to landmarks around the entered city. Source: Apple Maps More

"I've never seen Apple show off this feature anywhere but it's pretty amazing," one Apple user wrote after discovering the little known feature.

"Being able to walk over a city like a giant is neat. Then zoomin in to look at the cars in a parking lot. Wow"

"I just tried this, why doesn't Apple push this? this is amazing," another added.

While it’s not technically considered as virtual reality, the feature is certain to fuel rumours about Apple’s future plans for a VR device.



