iOS 18 Maps App Update: Explore Easier Hiking Experiences and More New Features

iOS 18 Maps App Update: Explore Easier Hiking Experiences and More New FeaturesiOS 18 brings a comprehensive upgrade to Apple's built-in apps, and the Maps app also receives several new features aimed at enhancing user experience and exploration efficiency. While the Maps app doesn't include dazzling AI features, it adds a range of practical updates, providing users with richer functionality and a smoother exploration experience

iOS 18 Maps App Update: Explore Easier Hiking Experiences and More New Features

iOS 18 brings a comprehensive upgrade to Apple's built-in apps, and the Maps app also receives several new features aimed at enhancing user experience and exploration efficiency. While the Maps app doesn't include dazzling AI features, it adds a range of practical updates, providing users with richer functionality and a smoother exploration experience.

Hiking Trails: More Detailed Topographic Maps and Convenient Route Planning

Apple introduced topographic maps to Apple Watch last year, and now detailed topographic maps are also available in the Maps app on iPhone. This means users can get a clearer understanding of the terrain, providing more accurate references for hiking planning. The Maps app also offers a detailed trail network and hiking routes, covering 63 national parks across the United States.

Users can search for "hiking" or "hiking trails" to see nearby hiking route options and get details including length, elevation gain, and ratings. Additionally, they can filter routes by length, route type (loop, point-to-point, or out-and-back), and elevation gain, and can save routes for offline access.

In the Maps app, paths and hiking trails are treated as separate entities. When searching for "hiking," you'll see a general area where specific trails are located, and you can zoom in using the Maps app to find the specific trail you want to take.

Custom Routes: Plan Your Own Hiking Routes

iOS 18's Maps app adds custom route functionality, allowing users to plan specific hiking routes they want to take. At a trailhead, you can tap the "Create Custom Route" option to initiate the custom route experience. Then, tap the map to start setting route points, and the Maps app will provide length and elevation details. Additionally, you can tap the "Reverse," "Return," or "Close Loop" options to let the Maps app automatically complete the route.

It's worth noting that for hiking and trails, the Maps app won't let you create unsafe routes or deviate from existing trails, so you don't have to worry about drawing dangerous maps in the wilderness.

Route creation functionality isn't limited to hiking and trails. You can add a pin on the map, tap the "More" option, and select "Create Custom Route," making it easier to plan other types of trips.

More Precise Search: "Search in This Area" Feature Helps You Quickly Locate

The Maps app adds a "Search in This Area" feature, allowing users to more conveniently search for locations or information within a specific area. For example, if you're looking for San Diego, tapping the search will search within the area on your screen, rather than being centered on your actual location.

As you zoom in on the map, you'll see a dedicated "Search in This Area" button, making it easier to control the search location. No matter where you move on the map, search results will reliably update.

Favorites: Save Your Favorite Hiking Routes, Trails, and Other Locations

If you find a hiking route, trail, or custom route you like, you can save it to your "Library" for later use. To do this, find the relevant hiking route and tap the "Add to Library" button.

You can rename the hiking route, add specific information you might want to revisit later, and download the route for offline use. When viewing any location on the map (including hikes), tapping the "+" button will also add it to your Library.

Favorites are stored within the Maps app, and you can access them by tapping your personal photo and selecting the "Library" section.

Library: Consolidates All Saved Content for Convenient Management

Everything you save in the Maps app, including locations, routes, guides, and pins, is stored in the Maps app's new "Library" section. The Library also displays all recently added content, making it easier to manage and access all your information.

You can also tap any location in the Maps app and select the add notes option from the menu. Here you can write down whatever you want to remember about the location. Notes are private data and are only stored on your device, visible only to the note creator.