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First introduced in 2012, Apple Maps is Apple’s built-in navigation app. It offers real-time directions and traffic routes along with a stunning 3D flyover view. Over the years, Apple Maps has improved and added public transit routes after the launch of iOS 11.
When Apple Maps was first introduced, it received huge criticism for inaccurate readings and data, leading to a public apology from the Apple CEO. Now, Apple Maps stands out in the market and leaves behind its competitors in the navigation apps, offering seamless experiences to Apple users.
Whether you are getting directions to pick your grandkids up from school or planning to catch up with friends for a coffee, Apple Maps has got you covered. Here is how you can use this app, learn to find a destination and navigate to it.
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How to Use Apple Maps
Apple Maps is easy to use, whether you’re driving to the office, exploring a new city, or simply need the shortest route home.
If you are a beginner in the application, you can find it on your Apple device pre-installed—just look for the icon for the map on your home screen. If you cannot see it, just swipe down on your screen and look for “Maps” in the search bar.
Once you’ve opened it, you can type in your destination and choose your preferred route with options of driving, walking, public transportation, cycling, or even ride-hailing.
The Apple Maps app is simple to use. Just click the “i” button at the top right-hand side to switch between map, satellite, and transit modes, depending on what you are looking for.
Want directions? Just add your starting location, choose your transportation method, and Apple Maps will guide you.
If you prefer not to travel on toll roads or highways, switch those, and the app will redirect. Apple Maps offers you alternative routes as well so that you can pick the route best for your purposes—fastest, most scenic, or most convenient.
Browse Apple Maps Through Different Views
Apple Maps offers four viewing modes to help you navigate more effectively:
- Explore: The default map showing towns, shops, restaurants, and key landmarks
- Driving: Focuses on roads, streets, and essential traffic signs for smoother navigation
- Public Transport: Displays transit lines, routes, and stations with tap-to-view details
- Satellite: Provides a high-resolution, bird’s-eye view of locations with impressive detail
For select cities, Apple Maps also offers a 3D view. Tap the 2D icon in the top-right corner to switch, or use the binoculars icon (available in cities like New York and London) for an immersive 3D city experience.
Important Features You Should Know
Using Apple Maps while navigating, you can view:
- Estimated arrival time, remaining distance, and total travel time
- Speed limits and alerts for upcoming red light and speed cameras
- Nearby restaurants, gas stations, and coffee shops along your route
- Turn-by-turn voice guidance for smooth navigation
Share:
- Send your ETA to friends or family so they can track your arrival.
Adjust:
- Control the navigation audio volume to suit your preference.
Top Tips for Using Apple Maps
Navigating Apple Maps becomes much easier when you know the right gestures. Swiping moves the map in any direction, while pinching with two fingers lets you zoom in and out. These simple gestures make exploring maps smoother and more intuitive.
Use Apple’s Take On Street View
Apple’s Look Around feature provides a street-level view similar to Google’s Street View. To use it, drop a pin on a location and tap the binoculars icon that appears. A pop-up window will open, allowing you to see the streets as if you were there.
You can enter full-screen mode for a better experience or use split-screen mode to navigate while keeping the map in view. Moving around is easy—just tap on a location in full-screen mode or select a spot on the map to instantly jump there.
Navigate With AR Directions
For walking directions, Apple Maps also offers Augmented Reality (AR) navigation in select cities. After setting a destination and selecting walking directions, a hexagon icon will appear if AR navigation is available.
Tapping it will activate your iPhone’s camera, prompting you to scan buildings around you. Once calibrated, Apple Maps will display real-time 3D street signs and arrows to guide you along your route, making navigation more immersive and accurate.
Customized Collection and Guide
If you’re planning a trip or organizing a day out, Apple Maps lets you create personalized collections. By searching for a location and scrolling down, you’ll find the option to add it to a guide. Creating a new guide allows you to save multiple places in one list. You can access your saved guides anytime under the My Guides section in the search bar menu.
Never Lose Your Parked Car
Finding your car in a huge parking lot can be frustrating, but Apple Maps can save its location for you. Just connect your iPhone to CarPlay or Bluetooth while driving, and Maps will log the spot when you park.
To enable this, go to Settings > Privacy > Location Services > Significant Locations and turn it on. Then, under Apple Maps settings, activate Show Parked Location. When you need to find your car, open Maps, search for “Parked Car,” and get directions right to it.
Explore Cities with a 3D Flyover
Want to see a city from above without leaving home? Apple Maps’ Flyover feature gives you an aerial 3D tour of select cities worldwide. Just search for a city and tap Flyover in the pop-up menu.
You can pan around with gestures or move your phone like an AR app. For a guided experience, tap Start Tour and enjoy a virtual helicopter ride over famous landmarks.
Add Quick Stops Along Your Route
Need a coffee or gas break while driving? Apple Maps lets you add stops without canceling your navigation. Tap the arrow in the bottom right corner, then hit Add a Stop.
Choose from categories like gas stations, coffee shops, grocery stores, and more. Maps will show nearby options along your route, so you can make a stop without rerouting your entire trip.
The Future of Navigation with Apple Maps
Apple Maps has come a long way since its launch, evolving into a powerful and reliable navigation tool packed with smart features. Whether you’re commuting daily, exploring a new city, or planning a road trip, Apple Maps offers seamless navigation, real-time updates, and an intuitive user experience. With features like AR directions, 3D flyovers, and Look Around, Apple continues to push the boundaries of digital mapping.
As technology advances, Apple Maps is expected to get even smarter with AI-driven suggestions, deeper integrations, and improved real-time data. If you want to stay updated on the latest in tech, navigation, and digital trends, follow Inside Tech World for expert insights and breaking news.
FAQs
- Does Apple Maps work offline?
No, Apple Maps requires an internet connection for navigation. However, iOS 17 introduced offline maps, allowing users to download selected areas for offline use.
- Can Apple Maps be used on Android?
No, Apple Maps is exclusive to Apple devices, including iPhones, iPads, Macs, and Apple Watches. Android users need to rely on alternatives like Google Maps or Waze.
- Does Apple Maps show speed limits while driving?
Yes, Apple Maps displays speed limits on supported roads and alerts drivers about speed cameras and red-light cameras.
- Can I customize the voice in Apple Maps navigation?
You can change the voice by adjusting Siri’s voice in Settings > Siri & Search > Siri Voice.
- Does Apple Maps support multiple stops in a single trip?
Yes, Apple Maps allows users to add multiple stops along a route, making it easier for road trips and errands.
