Apple Maps recently underwent a significant update in its latest software release, introducing several features that cater to urban explorers, national park enthusiasts, and regular travelers alike. Among these enhancements are more personalized and accurate navigation options, ensuring every trip is smoother and more enjoyable.

One standout feature is the introduction of custom walking maps, which revolutionizes how both locals and tourists navigate unfamiliar cities. By designing personalized routes based on individual preferences and interests, users can effortlessly map out tours that highlight must-visit landmarks, cafes, and shops. This level of customization helps users save time and ensures they experience the unique charm of each destination.

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These updates are accessible on iPhones, iPads, or Macs running iOS 18, iPadOS 18, or macOS Sequoia 15, all launched on September 16. Continue reading to learn about all the new features.

1. Topographic Maps

Apple started rolling out topographical maps last year, initially viewable only on Apple Watches running watchOS 10 or higher. These maps use elevation data and contour lines to display landscape details, trails, and points of interest in parklands.

In the latest update, topographical maps are now accessible on iPhones, iPads, and Macs. They cover all 63 U.S. national parks and selected areas in the U.S. and some regions in Japan. To access topographical maps, search for and select a national park in the "Explore" view. Downloaded maps also allow viewing of topographical layers for supported areas.

2. National Park Walks and Hikes

Previously, finding hiking trails required some effort. With the new Maps update, discovering enjoyable hikes becomes simpler. Search for and select a U.S. national park, and scroll down on its place card to find a new "Hikes" section. Swipe through the available hikes or tap/click "More" to view the complete list.

3. Walking and Hiking Trail Routes

Last year’s major Maps update included detailed information about hiking trails in parklands. While place cards showed trail lengths, elevations, and trailheads, they lacked the actual trail path. The updated Maps now displays paths for supported trail networks and hikes within U.S. national parks.

Zooming in allows closer inspection of the trail, while selecting the path button provides a broader view.

4. Savable Offline Walks and Hikes

Last year, downloading maps for offline use became straightforward. Now, accessing hiking trails in U.S. national parks and other supported areas is even easier. Browse the available hikes from a park's place card, select one, and tap "Add to Library." Ensure "Download Route" is enabled, add any notes, and hit "Done."

Offline access is currently limited to the U.S.

5. Custom Walking and Hiking Routes

Although most detailed trail networks and hikes are within U.S. national parks, a new custom routing option allows creating your own walking and hiking routes for offline use—available anywhere. This tool is ideal for planning hikes not listed in Apple Maps, following multiple trails, or remembering special walks around your city.

Create one-way, out-and-back, or closed-loop paths, name them, add notes, and download them for offline use. Voice-guided navigation starts when near the route’s location. Refer to our guide for detailed instructions.

• Guide: Creating Custom Offline Routes for Walks and Hikes in Apple Maps

6. All-New Places Library

Maps now features an updated Places Library. Access it by tapping your profile icon and selecting "Library." On iOS and iPadOS, your profile picture appears on the search card. On macOS, it’s located in the Maps app’s top corner. "Library" replaces "Favorites" and "Guides."

Alternatively, tap "[#] Places ? [#] Guides ? [#] Routes" under Library on the search card or side panel. Previously, the Library section was "Favorites," and "More" opened a list of pinned locations.

The new Places Library includes "Pinned" (favorites), "Places" (pinned locations, saved guides, and added locations), "Guides," and "Routes" (saved premade and custom walking and hiking routes). It also lists recently added locations. Notably, you can add places to your library without pinning or favoriting them.

7. New Favorites Guide

The old "Favorites" list has transformed into a "Pinned" list. However, saving favorite spots remains possible through a new "Favorites" guide marked with a star icon. Moving existing pins requires manual addition.

Adding a place to Favorites follows the same process as adding to any guide. Tap "Add a Place," or expand an existing guide card and hit the plus ( ) button. You can add recent locations or search for new ones. Select " " next to a location to favorite it, with options to customize names.

You can also add favorites via a location's place card. Tap "More (???)," select "Add to Guides," and choose "Favorites." Favorites can also be added from the Places Library by tapping "More (???)" next to a location and choosing "Add to Guides."

8. Personal Notes for Places and Routes

A notable new Maps feature allows adding personal notes to locations and routes. Notes can store any relevant information and sync across iCloud devices with updated software.

Notes cannot be added to locations in the Pinned list but can be added from Places, Guides, and Routes. Tap "Add a Note" from a location's place card or list. For routes, select "Edit Name & Note." Enter your note, hit "Done," and save. Adding a note to an uncataloged location automatically adds it to your library.

Notes appear below locations and routes in library and list views. Update notes anytime by tapping "Edit Note" or "Edit Name & Note."

9. All Hours Search Filter

When searching for restaurants, gas stations, coffee shops, or groceries, a new filter option allows checking if a place is open at a specific time. If the chosen time has passed, the search defaults to the next day, aiding future planning.

10. Apple Maps on the Web

Following the release of the first public betas for iOS 18, iPadOS 18, and macOS Sequoia 15, Apple introduced a public beta for Apple Maps on the web at beta.maps.apple.com, usable on non-Apple devices. Once stable, shared Apple Maps links will open in non-Apple browsers.

Currently, Apple Maps on the web supports English, working with Safari and Chrome on iPadOS and macOS, and Chrome and Edge on Windows. Additional languages, browsers, and platforms will be added, potentially including Android users. Non-beta links convert to Google Maps on Android, but beta links show unsupported browser messages.

Users can now receive driving and walking directions, find great places with photos, hours, ratings, and reviews, order food directly from place cards, and explore curated Guides worldwide. Additional features like Look Around will launch soon.

— Apple

11. New Systemwide Features That Apply to Maps

Other new features applicable to Maps extend beyond the app itself. These system-wide options, offering app icon and widget customization,

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