The great news for Apple users is that most built-in apps are getting improved with new features in iOS 18. Significant changes have been made to the Apple Maps app in iOS 18, making it better than ever. The app now lets you find easy ways to explore trending hiking trails, custom routes, offline viewing, etc.
Hikes and Trails
Last year, Topographic Maps saw a massive success when it was introduced to the Apple Watch. As a result, the improved version of Topographic Maps will be added to the app in iOS 18. This integration includes all the hikes and trail networks, along with 63 U.S. national parks.
By searching for “Hikes” or “Hiking routes” in the Apple Maps app, you can see details of nearby trials. It includes the total hike length, elevation, ratings, etc.
You can filter hikes by route type, length, and elevation and save it for offline access. To identify and search for trails, you can zoom into a hiking area. Once you tap on a trail, you will get all the information related to its length, distance, highest point, and lowest point.
Custom Routes
Apple Maps lets you add a custom hiking route you want to take. You can simply click the “Create a Custom Route” at a trailhead to activate this option.
In addition, you can tap on the map wherever you want to begin a setting point. Then, the Maps app will let you know the details on length and elevation. Besides custom routing, you can click on the Reverse, Out and Back, or Close Loop options to end a route automatically.
For your reminder, the Maps app will not allow you to create a dangerous route that doesn’t stick to previous trails. This will prevent you from navigating to an unsafe place and getting stuck out of nowhere.
Search Here
Apple brings a “Search here” option to the Apple Maps app, which can be accessed by zooming in. This feature lets you search for a place that’s on a screen rather than at a physical location. If you search for something and pan around the map, the search results will update in the new location.
Save to Library
If you like a particular custom route, hike, or trail, you can save it now. Find the route you want to wishlist, and tap the Add to Library option. Moreover, you can rename hikes, add additional info, and download it for offline access.
You can also tap the “+” button when viewing a map to add those routes to a library. To view saved locations, tap the Profile Picture in the app and tap Library.
New Library Section
Unlike separate sections, all the locations, routes, and pins will be stored in the Library section of the Maps app. It will also show recently added content.
Add a Note
If you want to add a description of a place in the Maps app, you can create a note. Simply tap on location in the Maps app and click the Add a Note option. On the next screen, you can enter the necessary note. These notes are secure with encryption and kept private on your device.
To test these Apple Maps Beta features before the iOS 18 stable release, you have to sign up for the Apple Beta Software Program. After testing, you can directly provide feedback to Apple using Feedback Assistant in the app.