Apple Maps in iOS 18 introduces two helpful new features: a centralized Library for saved content and the ability to add personal notes to locations. Here's how to take advantage of these new tools.

Generic iOS 18 Maps Feature

Using the New Library

Apple's iOS 18 update brings significant improvements to the Maps app, and streamlines the process of saving and organizing your favorite locations. Building on the existing Guides feature, the new version introduces a simple "+" button on location listings for quick saving.

A new Library menu now houses all of your saved places, including those from Guides and Pinned locations. The Library also automatically incorporates previously saved locations, offering a comprehensive view of your favorite spots.

ios 18 maps library
You can individually search through your Pinned, Places, Guides, and Routes collections, and use the three-dot button to sort them by date added, name, or distance, and toggle between list and grid views. The update also enables direct saving of new locations from within the Library itself, via the + Add button.

In summary, the new Library consolidates content that was previously spread across different sections of the app, which makes your saved place information a lot more accessible.

Adding Notes to Locations

iOS 18 also introduces the ability to add personal notes to any location in Apple Maps. This feature allows you to jot down reminders, impressions, or any other information you want to associate with a specific place. To add a note:

  1. Search for or tap on a location in Maps.
  2. Tap the More button (three dots) in the location's information card.
  3. Tap Add a Note.
  4. Type your note, then tap Done.

maps

Your notes are private and stored only on devices logged into your Apple account. This feature can be particularly useful for remembering details about restaurants, marking meeting spots, or keeping track of places you want to visit.

These new features in iOS 18's Maps app offer enhanced organization and personalization, and there are other additional tools checking out that we've covered elsewhere, including custom routes, hiking trails, and a new Search Here function.

Top Rated Comments

18 months ago
Ever since Maps got the capability of pinning locations, I've wanted the ability to be notified when I'm near a pin or saved location. I always read reviews of restaurants in places away from home but forget about them when I travel there. I'd love to get off a plane and have a reminder with a list of places I should check out. The same capability would be useful for a lot of situations I think.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jz0309 Avatar
18 months ago
I am still irritated when sometimes, seemingly at random, the map “moves” and North is not at the top anymore, happens in CarPlay and on phone…
Just give me a setting for “North at top” as in any printed map
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)
18 months ago
Excellent new and useful features for Maps. Something I'll use a lot.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ShadowJamie Avatar
18 months ago
Apple Maps are slowly getting better, but there is still a long way to go.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
18 months ago

Interesting, I always switch to Google Maps when I travel. Especially in Japan I found GM to work much better. Perhaps that was just my experience.
Went there for the past 2 yrs
First time I just used google maps after Apple Maps got me lost after coming back from a club at 3am in Osaka lol
This yr it was much better
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
cjsuk Avatar
18 months ago

That's good to know, I'm going in 2 weeks, perhaps I'll give  another shot :) But it better not get me lost!! :D
Some of the map data is terrible. There's a couple of roads near me that are completely wrong (in London, UK) and have been there at least 50-70 years. Not sure where the data comes from but it's not on OSM or Google Maps which are both correct.

YMMV. Take more than one map everywhere.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature

Apple Announces Special Event in New York, London, and Shanghai on March 4

Monday February 16, 2026 6:05 am PST by
Apple today announced a "special Apple Experience" in New York, London, and Shanghai, taking place on March 4, 2026 at 9:00am ET. Apple invited select members of the media to the event in three major cities around the world. It is simply described as a "special Apple Experience," and there is no further information about what it may entail. The invitation features a 3D Apple logo design...
M3 iPad Air

Apple's Next Two Products Are Coming Soon

Thursday February 12, 2026 11:17 am PST by
Apple plans to release an iPhone 17e and an iPad Air with an M4 chip "in the coming weeks," according to the latest word from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple retail employees say that inventory of the iPhone 16e has basically dried out and the iPad Air is seeing shortages as well," said Gurman. "I've been expecting new versions of both (iPhone 17e and M4 iPad Air) in the coming weeks."...
iphone 17 pro dark blue 1

Gurman: iPhone 18 Pro Could Be Underwhelming

Monday February 16, 2026 4:24 am PST by
Apple's upcoming iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max models "won't be a big update," according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. In the latest edition of his "Power On" newsletter, Gurman said that the iPhone 18 Pro models will "represent minor tweaks from last year's iPhone 17 Pro and 17 Pro Max." He compared the upgrade to Apple's past practice of appending the letter "S" to its more minor...
Coffee Burgundy and Purple iPhone 18 Pro Mock

Five iPhone 18 Pro Features Revealed in New Report

Friday February 13, 2026 8:43 am PST by
While the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are still seven months away, an analyst has revealed five new features the devices will allegedly have. Rumored color options for the iPhone 18 Pro models In a research note with investment firm GF Securities on Thursday, analyst Jeff Pu outlined the following upgrades for the iPhone 18 Pro models: Smaller Dynamic Island: It has been rumored...
Apple Announces Special Event in New York Feature 1

Apple Event on March 4: Here's What to Expect

Tuesday February 17, 2026 8:08 am PST by
Apple on Monday invited selected journalists and content creators to a "special Apple Experience" on Wednesday, March 4 in New York, London, and Shanghai. At an Apple Experience, attendees are typically given the opportunity to try out Apple's latest hardware or software. Following the launch of Apple Creator Studio last month, for example, some content creators attended an Apple Experience...