The latest iOS 18 beta shows a host of updates to your essential iPhone apps rolling out to everyone later this year, and Apple Maps is no exception, with a handful of new features on the way.
The most notable improvement for most people will be a new Search Here button (via Reddit). Currently, Apple Maps is a bit frustrating when trying to find places like restaurants outside of your current location. Look for restaurant options in another part of the city and Apple Maps will often return your view to your current location, forcing you to scroll back.
This new Search Here button eliminates that hassle by forcing the app to search the area currently on the screen, even if it's not where you are right now.
New “Search here” button finally implemented in iOS 18 from r/applemaps
Yes, it's a minor tweak, but for heavy Apple Maps users we hope it saves you a lot of hassle and frustration when using the search feature in the future. However, that's not all iOS 18 has to offer.
A hiker's best friend?
If you love hiking, iOS 18 will make Apple Maps much more useful if you live in the US. Hikers will be able to take advantage of new topographic maps of US national parks that offer more precise details about the trails they want explore. You can also download trail maps so you can access them even when you lose your Internet connection.
There are also tools to customize your rides. You'll be able to create custom walks and hiking routes to use instead of Apple Maps recommendations. Maybe you prefer a more scenic route or want to hike to avoid certain areas. Whether it's a custom route or a pre-made one, you can also make notes about your saved routes to help you navigate them in the future.
Combine these tools with the iPhone's satellite phone capabilities, at least for the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Pro, iPhone 15, or iPhone 15 Pro models, and Apple's smartphone looks increasingly useful for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts.
We'll have to see if the full release of iOS 18 brings more updates to Apple Maps or other iPhone features to continue this trend, but it certainly looks promising so far.
