The iOS 16 Maps app didn't get as many changes as some of the other apps in the update, but there is at least one major change that's worth noting -- multi-stop routing. Multi-stop routing is a long-awaited Maps feature, plus there are a few other new options.
This guide highlights all of the features that are new to the Maps app in iOS 16, which is available now for all eligible devices.
Multi-Stop Routing
With iOS 16, you can plan a route that has multiple stops for the first time. Prior to now, you could only route yourself to a single location, and the Apple Maps app was far behind competitors like Waze and Google Maps when planning for more than one stop on a trip.
When you type in a destination in the Maps app in iOS 16, you can tap on the new "Add Stop" button to choose multiple locations. Up to 15 locations can be added on one route, and the Maps app will go to each stop in turn. Note that the Maps app does not optimize the route, so you'll need to do that manually when you type in stops.
Add Stops With Siri
If you're already on the road and want to insert a stop into your route, you can use Siri voice commands to do so.
Plan Routes on Mac
For planning a trip with multiple stops, you can get everything ready on the Maps app on Mac, then port it over to the iPhone when you're ready to go.
Maps Interface Updates
To accommodate the new multi-stop routing option, getting directions has been streamlined. It's simpler to change between driving, walking, transit, cycling, and ride share.
There are also drop down menus for changing travel mode, time you want to leave, and options to avoid tolls or highways, which makes it quicker to drill down into your preferences when getting directions.
The recent routes that you've used will show up in the Recent section for quicker access.
Transit Cards in Maps
Transit cards added to the Wallet app are integrated into the Maps app, so you can see if your balance is low and add more funds without having to swap over to the Wallet app.
Transit Fares
When planning a transit route, you can see how much it will cost in transit fares in select cities.
Photo Use Permissions
The Maps app in iOS 16 has a toggle for allowing companies to use photos that you upload using the built-in Maps rating feature. This is applicable to companies that provide photos to Maps, and it includes location information, but not identity.
Revamped Apple Map Design
Apple in iOS 15 introduced a new, more detailed Apple Maps design that provides more detail for roads, pathways, greenery, and more. The updated Maps app is coming to the following countries in iOS 16:
- Belgium
- France
- Israel
- Liechtenstein
- Luxembourg
- Monaco
- Netherlands
- New Zealand
- Palestinian Territories
- Saudi Arabia
Guide Feedback
Have questions about Maps in iOS 16, know of a feature we left out, or want to offer feedback on this guide? Send us an email here.
Top Rated Comments
I wish Apple Maps had look around everywhere like Google Street View. Apple had cars all over the U.S. for years now, so I don’t know why look around is so slow to roll out and so limited.
I also desperately wish Apple Maps had first party reviews right in the app and showed how busy a location was (and it’s usual business depending on the hour and day of the week) like Google Maps does.
I find myself stuck in between maps apps because of this. Apple is great for navigation. Google Maps is better for discovering places, seeing business levels, and for reviews/questions about places. Waze is best for rough traffic, road trips, or the most up to date road status.
I wish Apple Maps could combine the best features of all three apps.
Sorry, I need to rant every time I see some new Maps features and know that the rest of the world only gets small part of these features and Apple don’t seem to care.
Still don’t have swipe keyboard in my native language. No word predictions. Stuff that 3rd party keyboards have had since 3rd part keyboards became a thing.