Those who rely on Apple Maps on a daily basis may be excited to learn that a series of features seemingly inspired by Google's Wave will be introduced, including the ability to alert other Maps users of accidents, hazards, and other road conditions.

These features are part of iOS 14.5, which is currently available as a beta version to both developers and regular users participating in Apple's beta software program. The enhanced Maps app appears to be Apple's way of competing with Google Maps and Waze, which have long been navigation options for iOS users as well.

As before, Maps allows users to enter an address and select a route to get directions; tapping "Go" warns of potential hazards along the way, such as accidents or excessive speed. Previously, the map only showed potential traffic jams.

Additionally, when you swipe up on a route in Apple Maps to get additional information, a report button now appears. Tapping this allows you to choose what obstacles are present and drop a tag at your current location for others to see.

If you want to report an accident or other problem on the road, most likely while driving, you can also interact with Siri hands-free by saying "Hey Siri, there's been an accident" and an automated report will be sent to Apple Maps. If another user does the same, an icon will appear on the map at that location; according to MacRumors, this feature is also available via CarPlay.

These crowdsourcing features are a very useful addition to Apple Maps' repertoire of options, but Waze, the app that included these features in the first place, has more to offer. In the unlikely event that you are involved in an accident yourself, you can set your own marker in Waze and alert others with alerts for police, accidents, hazards, road closures, etc.

Waze can also display routes that seem to be the fastest way to get to a particular location, taking into account accidents, traffic congestion, construction zones, etc. You can also switch between routes that Waze has prepared; for example, if you are in a traffic zone, Waze will show you the fastest way to get to a particular location.

These new features are only available to U.S. beta testers and developers at this time, so this is likely just the beginning as far as additional options for Apple Maps. If they work well and are well received by users, Apple will likely roll out similar, more full-featured tools to more users in the future.