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2 surprising new Apple Maps features revealed in the new iOS 26 beta

Apple Maps, once criticized for its rocky debut in 2012, has undergone significant improvements over the years, evolving into a robust navigation tool that rivals competitors like Google Maps. While many users are familiar with its basic functionalities such as turn-by-turn directions and real-time traffic updates, there are lesser-known features within Apple Maps that can enhance the user experience in surprising ways. This article delves into two particularly noteworthy yet underutilized features of Apple Maps that demonstrate its depth and utility beyond standard navigation: the ability to create personalized Guides and the integration of detailed indoor maps for select locations. These tools not only showcase Apple’s commitment to refining its mapping service but also offer practical benefits for travelers, explorers, and everyday users alike.

The first standout feature is the ability to create personalized Guides within Apple Maps. Introduced as part of iOS updates in recent years, Guides allow users to curate lists of places and points of interest tailored to their preferences or specific purposes. This feature transforms Apple Maps from a mere navigation app into a personal travel companion. For instance, users can compile a Guide for a weekend getaway, including favorite restaurants, must-see landmarks, hidden gems, or even practical stops like gas stations or rest areas. These Guides can be customized with personal notes, photos, and descriptions, making them a digital scrapbook of sorts for travel planning. Whether you're organizing a road trip across the country or simply mapping out a day of errands in your hometown, Guides provide a way to keep all relevant locations in one easily accessible place.

Creating a Guide is straightforward and user-friendly. Within the Apple Maps app, users can tap into the “Guides” section, often found under the search bar or in the user’s profile area, and select the option to start a new Guide. From there, they can name the Guide—something like “Summer Beach Trip” or “Downtown Food Tour”—and begin adding locations. Users can search for places directly within the app, pulling up detailed information such as operating hours, contact details, and user reviews, and then add them to their Guide with a single tap. Additionally, Apple Maps allows users to import locations from other sources or manually input addresses if needed. Once a place is added, users can personalize the entry with their own insights, such as a note about the best dish at a restaurant or a reminder to visit a specific exhibit at a museum. This level of customization makes Guides incredibly versatile, catering to both spontaneous explorers and meticulous planners.

Beyond personal use, Guides can also be shared with friends, family, or colleagues, fostering collaboration and connection. For example, if you’re planning a group vacation, you can share your Guide with others, allowing them to view the itinerary, suggest additional spots, or even contribute their own recommendations. This collaborative aspect turns Guides into a communal tool for group travel or event planning. Moreover, Apple Maps often features curated Guides created by trusted sources or local experts, covering topics like the best hiking trails in a national park or top cultural attractions in a major city. These professionally crafted Guides can serve as inspiration or a starting point for users who are new to an area or unsure where to begin their exploration. By blending personal curation with expert recommendations, Apple Maps’ Guides feature offers a dynamic way to engage with the world around you, whether you’re navigating familiar territory or venturing into the unknown.

The second surprising feature of Apple Maps is its detailed indoor mapping for select locations, a functionality that sets it apart in the realm of navigation apps. While outdoor navigation is the primary focus of most mapping tools, Apple Maps has taken the extra step of providing intricate floor plans for certain public spaces such as airports, shopping malls, and transit hubs. This feature is particularly valuable for travelers or anyone navigating large, complex environments where finding a specific gate, store, or restroom can be a daunting task. Indoor maps provide a level of precision that traditional navigation often lacks, guiding users through multi-level structures with clear, detailed layouts.

For example, in supported airports, Apple Maps displays terminal maps that highlight key areas such as check-in counters, security checkpoints, baggage claim areas, gates, and even amenities like restaurants and lounges. Users can zoom in to see the exact layout of a terminal, making it easier to plan their route from arrival to departure. This is especially helpful in sprawling airports where signage can be confusing, or during tight layovers when every minute counts. Similarly, in large shopping centers, indoor maps on Apple Maps can show the location of specific stores, restrooms, elevators, and entrances, turning a potentially frustrating search into a seamless experience. Some maps even include directory information, allowing users to browse categories like “clothing” or “electronics” to find relevant shops without wandering aimlessly.

The indoor mapping feature is not just about convenience; it also enhances accessibility. For individuals with mobility challenges or those unfamiliar with a location, having a detailed digital map can make a significant difference in navigating spaces confidently. Apple Maps often integrates these indoor layouts with its broader navigation system, so users can transition smoothly from driving or walking directions outside to exploring the interior of a building. While this feature is currently limited to major locations—primarily large airports and malls in select cities—it represents a forward-thinking approach to navigation that addresses real-world pain points. Apple continues to expand its indoor mapping coverage, partnering with venue operators and leveraging advanced technologies like LiDAR and augmented reality to refine the accuracy and scope of these maps.

One of the broader implications of these features is how they reflect Apple Maps’ evolution into a more holistic tool for exploration and discovery. The Guides feature empowers users to take control of their journeys, crafting personalized experiences that align with their interests and needs. Meanwhile, indoor mapping tackles the often-overlooked challenge of navigating complex indoor spaces, providing clarity and reducing stress in high-traffic environments. Together, these tools demonstrate Apple’s focus on user-centric design, prioritizing functionality that goes beyond getting from point A to point B. They encourage users to engage more deeply with their surroundings, whether by planning a memorable trip or simply finding their way through a busy airport.

For those who have yet to explore these features, diving into Apple Maps’ Guides and indoor maps can unlock a new level of utility from an app that might otherwise be taken for granted. Start by creating a Guide for an upcoming trip or a local adventure, experimenting with adding places and sharing it with a friend. Similarly, the next time you’re at a supported airport or mall, open Apple Maps to see if indoor mapping is available, and use it to navigate with precision. These features are not just gimmicks; they are practical tools that can save time, reduce frustration, and enhance the way we interact with the world.

In conclusion, Apple Maps has come a long way from its early days, and features like personalized Guides and indoor mapping highlight its growth into a comprehensive navigation platform. Guides offer a creative and collaborative way to plan and share travel experiences, while indoor maps provide critical support in navigating complex spaces. Both features underscore Apple’s dedication to improving user experience through thoughtful, innovative tools. As Apple continues to refine and expand these capabilities, users can expect even more ways to explore, connect, and navigate with ease. Whether you’re a frequent traveler, a local explorer, or someone who simply wants to make the most of their mapping app, these hidden gems in Apple Maps are worth discovering. They transform the app into more than just a directional tool—it becomes a gateway to richer, more informed interactions with the places we go and the experiences we seek.

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