Apple Watch Topographic Maps Could Expand to iPhone in iOS 18

Apple appears to be gearing up to add topographic maps to the Apple Maps apps in iOS 18, macOS 15, and visionOS 2, according to code reviewed by MacRumors.

watchos 10 maps app
First introduced with watchOS 10, topographic maps include trails, contour lines, elevation, and points of interest, features that are of use for hiking and other outdoor activities where accurate navigation is essential.

Since debuting topographic maps, Apple has been expanding support throughout the United States, and this year, Apple may be ready to bring it to iOS, macOS, and ‌visionOS‌.

Backend topographic maps code was introduced last year, but only ‌watchOS 10‌ had the feature. The code was dormant on iOS and macOS at that time, but in the backend files for ‌iOS 18‌, ‌macOS 15‌, and ‌visionOS‌ 2, the code is active, suggesting an expansion.

The possibility of topographic maps follows our report yesterday on another possible ‌Apple Maps‌ feature, support for custom routes. With custom routes, users will presumably be able to create their own routes without being limited to Apple's pre-selected options.

‌‌iOS 18‌‌ will be introduced at the Worldwide Developers Conference on Monday, June 10, and it appears there will be quite a few new features for ‌Apple Maps‌. For more details about the update, check out our iOS 18 roundup.

(Thanks, Nicolás!)

Related Roundup: iOS 18

Top Rated Comments

midkay Avatar
6 weeks ago
Yes! This would be huge. Didn't ever make much sense to have such a useful map mode restricted to the tiniest possible screen. Can't wait for this!
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
6 weeks ago
Didn’t even know this existed. I just checked my Apple Watch and yes, there is a Maps app on there ?
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
AdamHarbour Avatar
6 weeks ago
?? got topographical map v ?? got blood oxygen ……. 1-1
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
citysnaps Avatar
6 weeks ago
Excellent news!
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
lusty Avatar
6 weeks ago

That said, I’ve never seen topo data on watch maps…
Because you’re in London. Move to the US, or better yet, move to Garmin for proper mapping
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mansplains Avatar
6 weeks ago

Does it work in Yosemite?
I wish I could say. Unfortunately, Yosemite was out of reach, given the 8hr drive to the entrance opposite of DV. We were at DV for the super bloom, which didn't happen this year.

Edit: Yes, it appears to work throughout Yosemite. I found that I wasn't zoomed in enough.

Attachment Image
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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