To date, we’ve been listening to an awesome deal in regards to the new AI options that we will anticipate to see on this 12 months’s large iOS 18 launch, nevertheless it’s honest to say that Apple has a number of extra surprises in retailer for us. With its debut now formally somewhat over 10 weeks away, we’re beginning to get some glimpses into what else may very well be coming to our iPhones this 12 months.
A number of analysts and leakers have already reported that iOS 18 could be the biggest update ever, nevertheless it’s solely not too long ago that we’ve begun to grasp why. Though AI is undoubtedly a giant deal by itself, no person is fully positive precisely how far Apple plans to take that. We are able to probably forget about a chatbot, for instance, however we’re really hoping that Siri will mature into something more useful.
Nevertheless, Apple’s plans for iOS 18 understandably go effectively past generative AI. Latest reviews recommend a much more customizable Home Screen experience, and now there’s some proof that Apple Maps might achieve some new capabilities as effectively.
Customized Routes
When navigating between two factors in Apple Maps, you might be given a couple of route to select from, however you’re nonetheless restricted to what Apple offers. In case you have a greater concept, there’s no technique to inform your iPhone that. The perfect you are able to do is blaze your personal path and hope that Maps figures that out and adjusts itself alongside the best way.
Nevertheless, if code found by the parents at MacRumors has any significance, Apple is laying the groundwork to quickly launch customized routing in Apple Maps — seemingly in iOS 18.
The proof of this stems from a brand new iOS 18 file on the Maps backend labeled “CustomRouteCreation.” The title in all probability says all of it, however there’s additionally a sign that the function can be restricted to the US at launch. That’s par for the course in terms of new options in Apple Maps, so it’s not too stunning; Apple will seemingly roll it out to different nations in the end.
Not a lot else is thought in regards to the function right now, however ideally, it will allow you to select particular roads you need to use throughout your journeys, for no matter purpose. It’s one thing people have been requesting from Apple Maps for fairly some time, and it’s one space the place Google Maps is barely forward. You’ll be able to’t create a customized route on the fly with Google Maps, however you may set it up utilizing the browser interface after which view it in your iPhone.
Topographic Maps
Final 12 months, Apple launched topographic maps for the Apple Watch in watchOS 10, letting hikers see attainable trails, elevation, and different factors of curiosity. Whereas this was designed primarily for hikers and different outside fanatics, it’s nonetheless an attention-grabbing approach to take a look at the world round you.
Nevertheless, even on an Apple Watch Extremely 2, these maps require a little bit of squinting to make out all the small print. Fortuitously, it seems to be like Apple is able to develop these past the wearable to Apple Maps on the iPhone, iPad, Mac, and even Imaginative and prescient Professional.
Once more, MacRumors reviews that backend topographic maps code has been round for all of Apple’s platforms since final 12 months, however now that code is energetic within the information for iOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2.
Topographic maps have been initially launched just for key areas of the US, corresponding to nationwide and regional parks. Apple has expanded them quickly throughout the nation since then, however there’s no phrase on when it’ll develop past US borders.
[The information provided in this article has NOT been confirmed by Apple and may be speculation. Provided details may not be factual. Take all rumors, tech or otherwise, with a grain of salt.]