iOS 17 Maps Features

[DaveN]

I use Apple and Google maps though mostly Apple Maps because I’m a stockholding fanboy and it does what I need. The downloadable maps is going to fill a major void for me as I’m probably out of cell phone range about 25% of the time. But places that are out of cell phone range don’t have many roads and I know where I’m going in those areas anyway. But it will be cool to be able to see where I am on a map when I’m hiking. I was wanting to know how close I was so a local landmark on our hike today but was out of cell range so I never could tell.

 

[Jonobrien]

With iOS 17, Apple is introducing new features for the Maps app. The changes in the Maps app aren't as notable as some of the additions we've seen with prior software updates, but there is at least one long-awaited function.

This guide rounds up everything that's been changed or added in the iOS 17 Maps app.

Offline Maps

Maps can be downloaded so that you can use them offline in iOS 17, which is useful when there is no cellular or WiFi connection. You can save a specific area of a map to your device, allowing it to be accessed while offline.

Saving retains all information like business hours and ratings, plus it allows for turn-by-turn directions, so the Maps app basically works like it does when it has a connection, with the exception of real-time traffic information.

You can search for any location in the Maps app or set a pin and then choose the "Download" option to get an offline map. Tapping on the download button brings up a drag and drop interface where you can select how much of the map you want to download.

Apple allows for downloads of full cities and surrounding areas, so you can, for example, download a map of Los Angeles that includes the area all the way up to Bakersfield and down to San Diego. Apple lists the size of each downloaded map, with size depending on the area you've selected and what's in that area. A small selection may only be 200MB, but a larger area that has a lot of roads and businesses could be 3GB or more.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Apple Maps now displays real-time charging station availability along Maps routes for electric vehicle owners. Users can choose a preferred charging station to see only those compatible with their vehicle.

Interface Update

When you're getting turn-by-turn directions, the Maps app shows tappable icons for driving, walking, transit, and other options rather than a dropdown menu. The arrival time and avoidance preferences options are still in the same dropdown menu as they were in iOS 16.

Volume

In the turn-by-turn directions interface, you can tap on the ^ button to see a new Voice Volume option that allows you to adjust the volume of the spoken directions. Options include Softer, Normal, and Louder.

The new volume option joins Add Stop, Share ETA, and Report an Incident.

Read More

More information on all of the new features in the iOS 17 update can be found in our iOS 17 roundup.

Article Link: Everything New in Maps in iOS 17

Apple Maps launched when it was essentially in beta or alpha. It sounds really good now. Google Maps is becoming too bloated with ads.

When will it be available on the Google Play Store tho???

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Where are those bloated ads that get slung around by fellow Apple people? I use GM frequently and seem to miss them.

 

[SinkOrSwim]

With iOS 17, Apple is introducing new features for the Maps app. The changes in the Maps app aren't as notable as some of the additions we've seen with prior software updates, but there is at least one long-awaited function.

This guide rounds up everything that's been changed or added in the iOS 17 Maps app.

Offline Maps

Maps can be downloaded so that you can use them offline in iOS 17, which is useful when there is no cellular or WiFi connection. You can save a specific area of a map to your device, allowing it to be accessed while offline.

Saving retains all information like business hours and ratings, plus it allows for turn-by-turn directions, so the Maps app basically works like it does when it has a connection, with the exception of real-time traffic information.

You can search for any location in the Maps app or set a pin and then choose the "Download" option to get an offline map. Tapping on the download button brings up a drag and drop interface where you can select how much of the map you want to download.

Apple allows for downloads of full cities and surrounding areas, so you can, for example, download a map of Los Angeles that includes the area all the way up to Bakersfield and down to San Diego. Apple lists the size of each downloaded map, with size depending on the area you've selected and what's in that area. A small selection may only be 200MB, but a larger area that has a lot of roads and businesses could be 3GB or more.

Electric Vehicle Charging Stations

Apple Maps now displays real-time charging station availability along Maps routes for electric vehicle owners. Users can choose a preferred charging station to see only those compatible with their vehicle.

Interface Update

When you're getting turn-by-turn directions, the Maps app shows tappable icons for driving, walking, transit, and other options rather than a dropdown menu. The arrival time and avoidance preferences options are still in the same dropdown menu as they were in iOS 16.

Volume

In the turn-by-turn directions interface, you can tap on the ^ button to see a new Voice Volume option that allows you to adjust the volume of the spoken directions. Options include Softer, Normal, and Louder.

The new volume option joins Add Stop, Share ETA, and Report an Incident.

Read More

More information on all of the new features in the iOS 17 update can be found in our iOS 17 roundup.

Article Link: Everything New in Maps in iOS 17

It would have been nice if you can download the offline maps by region, state, or the whole country instead of drawing a rectangle in an area where you think you might be without reception. Then have it automatically update when connected to wifi or manually updated.

Apple being Apple. Innovation, I guess.

 

[R3k]

Unfortunately Apple maps is still tied to Yelp (unless that is gone in 17). Anytime I'm looking for restaurants I only use Google maps, since Yelp is brutally dated.

Yelp and TripAdvisor it seems. Yelp is a good source in the US city I'm in, but isn't that great when traveling overseas which I do often. TripAdvisor is naturally tourist biassed so the popularity and recognition of restaurants should be taken with a grain of salt.

But yeah, Google Maps is just more solid all round. Yelp was ahead in restaurant reviewing and photographs a few years back, but Google Maps has caught up and surpassed it in many locations, at least outside the US.

 

[Jonobrien]

Where are those bloated ads that get slung around by Apple people? I use GM frequently and seem to miss them.

Is this in reply to my comment? I don't have an Apple device. Apple devices get to choose between GM and AM. I want to try a decent competitor to GM on Android.

Let's see, on my Android, opening Google Maps, it immediately shows the following advertising around my home:
Westfield; Mad topping; AppVision; Lane Cafe; Twinkle Tots Cottage; Curry On; Aquatic Centre; Salvo Store; Kwik Kopy; Shell; Service NSW. That's before zooming or scrolling.

When I enter my destination address, half the screen fills with venues around that address and the other half the screen with the map advertises Secure Parking; Miss Carter; JB Hi-Fi; Yok Yor; Child Care; an ATM; a Train Station; a Meriton; a Hotel.

I think everyone hating on the ads, is fed up with the ads. Whether on an Android or an iOS. Whether a Google Fanboy or an Apple Fanboi!

 

[london_apple]

Apple Maps is great. Still no current song playing from Music with controls in Maps though. Le sigh.

This! I’ve been wanting this for so long. It would be welcome on CarPlay’s version of Maps too

 

[fatTribble]

I don’t use google maps because, well, it’s google. 🫤

 

[HobeSoundDarryl]

Is this in reply to my comment? I don't have an Apple device. Apple devices get to choose between GM and AM. I want to try a decent competitor to GM on Android.

Let's see, on my Android, opening Google Maps, it immediately shows the following advertising around my home:
Westfield; Mad topping; AppVision; Lane Cafe; Twinkle Tots Cottage; Curry On; Aquatic Centre; Salvo Store; Kwik Kopy; Shell; Service NSW. That's before zooming or scrolling.

When I enter my destination address, half the screen fills with venues around that address and the other half the screen with the map advertises Secure Parking; Miss Carter; JB Hi-Fi; Yok Yor; Child Care; an ATM; a Train Station; a Meriton; a Hotel.

I think everyone hating on the ads, is fed up with the ads. Whether on an Android or an iOS. Whether a Google Fanboy or an Apple Fanboi!

I don't know Android, but that sounds like what is spun as "points of interest". Paragraph 2 is the same when I open Apple Maps. In my little town, every restaurant and store is highlighted in AM.

Paragraph 3: I typed in a non-business address in a nearby town and everything from McDonalds to gas stations to barbers around that address were highlighted in Apple Maps. So then I thought, perhaps this is something in the GM app, but it mostly looks the same... EXCEPT the GM "points of interest" seem to try to show the logos of more mainstream places in more than one color while AMs seem to be monochrome.

I could NOT replicate the "half the screen" in GM app or website unless you perhaps mean about 25% of the screen confirming the address, showing a picture of the place and offering options like directions, save, send to phone, etc... and then down below it a section that shows a short list of other notable places near the address? AM (app) also allocates a modestly slimmer strip from top to bottom minus the pictures, options and references to other places (instead just using space that could be showing map with blank area but then puts a big box overlay over the location to offer some of the selectable options and a picture and then nearby places "ads?")...

I've never really thought of that as "bloat" but I guess some could see it that way. I like the "prettier" of AM better but I prob would prefer the overlay controls and "ads" be over in that unused space in the sidebar like GM vs. that overlay covering more map. However, that's just personal preference and everyone is entitled to their own opinion.

And I realize it could look very different on Android.

 

[HazeAndHahmahneez]

It would have been nice if you can download the offline maps by region, state, or the whole country instead of drawing a rectangle in an area where you think you might be without reception. Then have it automatically update when connected to wifi or manually updated.

Apple being Apple. Innovation, I guess.

Yes that does sound nice I was thinking same thing at least have a whole state. I’ve learned with apple, it’s bit by bit, calculated step by calculated step. Patience leads to big time pay offs!

 

[zinacef]

Ya know, I stopped using Apple Maps years ago. But now, It's looking a lot better. I may switch entirely.

What do you use now?

 

[svish]

Offline maps are great. Good to see Apple maps improving

 

[GermanSuplex]

Ya know, I stopped using Apple Maps years ago. But now, It's looking a lot better. I may switch entirely.

The only thing stopping me is lack of street view in many locations. Google just got so far ahead of the curve it’s hard for anyone to catch up. But Apple is quite improved over the years, and I’ve personally found the turn by turn better as well. I actually do use Apple Maps for actual navigation, but I use Google Maps for random browsing of places and for lookups.

 

[fwmireault]

Would love multi stop support for biking and walking. Can’t see why it is limited to cars

 

[Ellis.adam]

What happened to the rumor of the less intrusive Lock Screen when navigating?

I think maps needs that along with integrated gas prices and weather along your route (I know it will now show if there is a chance for thunderstorms; but would be nice to have rain/snow/fog, etc)

 

[Rychiar]

Don't hate me but Google Maps gets way too crowded and it's a whole lot of distraction. Sometimes I feel like it's just too cluttered.

Yup google looks cheap and poorly designed to me . Always liked apples Cleaner interface better

 

[midkay]

I really wish they'd move the Weather to the top and bring the 3 buttons at the top right down. The phones are a lot longer these days. Other than that all the new features look great.

Such a good point, the top buttons for map type and current location are essential functions but super hard to reach with one hand. They really should be moved down.

 

[johnnytravels]

Unfortunately Apple maps is still tied to Yelp (unless that is gone in 17). Anytime I'm looking for restaurants I only use Google maps, since Yelp is brutally dated.

That’s me too. It’s seems I rarely have to get somewhere without doing something, so I need the reviews on shops, restaurants, parks etc to be informative and easy to access. Yelp is practically worthless in Europe.

 

[SpaceCrystal]

You have to admit. Apple Maps have come a long way. The details are astonishing! Just mind-blown.

And Apple Maps was atrocious when it was first released. Since then, Apple has shaped up with it.

They’re now much closer to Google Maps in general.

 

[TinyMito]

OFFLINE MAP! I'm super excited! Could stop relying on Google Maps for emergency no signal.

 

[TinyMito]

Unfortunately Apple maps is still tied to Yelp (unless that is gone in 17). Anytime I'm looking for restaurants I only use Google maps, since Yelp is brutally dated.

Yelp sucks in Canada, barely any useful data.

 

[SpaceCrystal]

Apple Maps launched when it was essentially in beta or alpha. It sounds really good now. Google Maps is becoming too bloated with ads.

When will it be available on the Google Play Store tho???

Oh, you know that neither Google or Apple are going to allow Apple Maps onto Google’s Play Store.

They’ve barely allowed Apple Music, Apple Music Classical, Move to iOS, Beats & Tracker Detect apps on there.

 

[Neebee]

Seriously, I wish Apple would just kill-off Siri and Apple Maps. I wish Google would kill off Waze and improve Google Maps. I swear, Google must be using AI with Google Maps and it's becoming really dumb now.

BTW, I also wish an end to poverty and inequality. I also realize that whatever I wish for, will never happen.

 

[Neebee]

delete

 

[Neebee]

Unfortunately Apple maps is still tied to Yelp (unless that is gone in 17). Anytime I'm looking for restaurants I only use Google maps, since Yelp is brutally dated.

And Garmin is still tied to Foursquare too. Yelp is dying, and Apple Maps is simply unreliable for me, especially their traffic info and map layout. If anyone else feels differently, I must assume they're not as critical as I am, or either don't notice the flaws or dismiss them. There are only two things I like about Apple Maps, is the turn-by-turn direction (but it's buggy) and the street/satellite view. Still, most places I have searched Apple Maps have very old imagery. Despite its shortcomings, I have to use Google Maps. And Bing Maps? Let's not go there.