The recent launch of the iOS 26 update by Apple has introduced a wealth of new features for supported iPhone models. As users delve into the latest functionalities, it’s important to acknowledge that, while the update comes packed with enhancements, some users have experienced initial challenges—a common occurrence during software rollouts.
In this article, we’ll explore the exciting new capabilities incorporated into Apple Maps with iOS 26, highlighting their potential to improve user experience significantly.
1. Enhanced Visited Places Feature
One of the standout additions in iOS 26 is the Visited Places feature in Apple Maps. Utilizing Apple Intelligence, this functionality autonomously tracks locations you’ve frequented—be it shops, restaurants, or tourist attractions. This mirrors Google’s long-standing Timeline feature available on both Android and iOS platforms.
With the Visited Places feature, users can effortlessly revisit tracked locations or share them with friends. Importantly, Apple ensures that all data is end-to-end encrypted, enhancing user privacy across devices. To enable this feature on your iPhone, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Settings > Apps > Maps.
- Under Location, enable “Precise Location and Visited Places.”
- Go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services and turn on “Location Services.”
- Access System Services > Significant Locations & Routes and activate “Significant Locations & Routes.”
Your Visited Places can be accessed by tapping your profile icon in Apple Maps and selecting the Places option. Presently, this feature is available in beta across the US, UK, Australia, Canada, Switzerland, and Malaysia, with options to edit or clear your history.
2. Natural Language Search Capabilities
One of the exciting enhancements in iOS 26 is the refined natural language search within Apple Maps. Users can input search queries in a more conversational manner, such as “find restaurants that serve affordable buffet meals.” This feature, powered by Apple Intelligence, enhances interaction not just in Maps but also in other iOS 26 applications like Adaptive Power mode and Live Translation in the Phone app.
3. Expanded Incident Reporting Options
The “Report an incident”functionality has broadened in scope, allowing users to report various conditions such as road closures, traffic congestion, and construction work. This feature promotes community safety by informing fellow travelers about potential disruptions along their routes.
4. Smart Preferred Routes
For daily commuters, the new Preferred Routes feature is particularly useful. If you consistently travel the same path between home and work, Apple Maps can alert you to significant delays, suggest alternate routes, and even provide a preview of your commute through the Maps widget. You can manage this feature via Settings > Apps > Maps > Location, and toggle it as desired.
5. Streamlined Content Sharing
When it comes to sharing locations and guides, Apple Maps has introduced cleaner, shortened URLs (https://maps.apple).This enhancement results in neater links that take up less space, making communication more efficient across messaging platforms like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Messages.
6. Innovative Liquid Glass Design
Finally, the introduction of Apple’s Liquid Glass design aesthetic has transformed the appearance of the Maps app. Users will notice more translucent, rounded UI elements and smoother animations during interactions. Unlike previous iterations such as iOS 18, the updated interface features a design that creates visual separation from the screen edges and includes an enhanced share sheet. Liquid Glass does not only focus on aesthetics; it encompasses dynamic elements that adapt, such as a search bar that adjusts in shape and size based on user engagement.
Overall, iOS 26 marks a pivotal milestone for Apple Maps, particularly with the remarkable Liquid Glass interface—an extensive visual refresh that users will appreciate. Coupled with features like natural language search, the Visited Places functionality, and Preferred Routes, this update harnesses on-device intelligence to significantly enhance user experiences.
This article is part of our ongoing series detailing the new features of the iOS 26 update. Stay tuned for comprehensive insights into new functionalities across the Reminders and Camera apps, along with tips on capturing HDR screenshots and transforming 2D images into dynamic 3D counterparts.
What are your thoughts on the Visited Places feature? We invite you to share your opinions in the comments below.
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