iOS 15: How to Get AR Walking Directions in Maps - MacRumors
Skip to Content

iOS 15: How to Get AR Walking Directions in Maps

by

In iOS 15, Apple's Maps app benefits from a range of new features and improvements, including the ability to use augmented reality walking directions in big cities.

apple maps icon ios 15 beta 2
In a nod to Google Maps, the new AR mode can map walking directions onto the real world by using your iPhone's rear camera, making it easier to see where you need to go in built-up areas and reducing the need to look down at your smartphone as you move.

First, initiate a walking route, then simply raise your iPhone and scan the buildings around you when prompted. The step-by-step directions will appear in the AR mode automatically, which should make it easier to get where you need to go, especially in situations where the directions are tricky.

ios 15 maps ar walking directions
The AR feature is available from late 2021 in major supported cities including London, Los Angeles, New York, Philadephia, San Diego, San Francisco and Washington DC.

Note that to get augmented reality walking directions, your iPhone will need an A12 chip or later. The A12 was first used in the ‌iPhone‌ XS, XS Max, and XR, which came out in 2018, which means that iPhones released after 2018 are compatible with the AR feature.

Related Forum: iOS 15

Top Rated Comments

65 months ago

Why do we need OS updates to get updates to apps like maps or most of the default apps. Android solved this a long time ago. Apple really needs to modernize iOS.
It doesn’t. New cities can and will be added over time server-side.
Unfortunately at the pace of 3 cities per year or so. I guess because the Apple Maps team only has 6 interns.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
65 months ago
Why do we need OS updates to get updates to apps like maps or most of the default apps. Android solved this a long time ago. Apple really needs to modernize iOS.
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Airforcekid Avatar
65 months ago

I can't think of anything more annoying than a person with a smart phone in their hands asking me for directions.

Sir, Ma'am you have a map in your hands--use it.
Maps are not always accurate or easy to comprehend especially with a weak GPS signal around larger buildings. If I need to make time and cant chance messing up ill always ask confirmation over just trusting my phone and id be angry if someone who worked for me tried that excuse as well instead of asking.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
contacos Avatar
65 months ago
Y‘all get AR walking directions in the US while my apartment building does not even exist on Apple Maps 😅
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JonGarrett Avatar
65 months ago

No more asking people around for directions anymore.
I can't think of anything more annoying than a person with a smart phone in their hands asking me for directions.

Sir, Ma'am you have a map in your hands--use it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
65 months ago
Looks cool and I can see this being useful is some cases. That being said I’m not sure how much I will need it.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Ads Are Coming to Apple Maps Feature

Apple Won't Allow These Ad Categories in the Maps App

Wednesday July 15, 2026 2:01 pm PDT by
Apple this week shared a new Advertising Services policy outlining the kinds of ads that won't be allowed in the Maps app. As noted by TechCrunch, Apple has a list of ad categories that are not permitted in Apple Maps. Home services - Ads that directly or indirectly promote home services are not allowed. That includes but is not limited to plumbing, electrical, locksmith, HVAC, pest...
iPhone 18 Pro Deep Red Feature

iPhone 18 Pro Launching in Two Months With These 12 New Features

Friday July 17, 2026 10:39 am PDT by
It is now mid-July, and that means the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max are now just two months away. The devices are expected to look similar to the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, but there will still be many year-over-year changes, with rumored features including a smaller Dynamic Island, 5G via satellite, and more. Apple is expected to unveil the iPhone 18 Pro, iPhone 18 Pro Max, ...
iCloud General Feature Redux

Apple Raises iCloud+ Prices in 8 Countries

Friday July 17, 2026 11:56 am PDT by
Apple has increased the price of iCloud+ in Nigeria, Türkiye, Vietnam, Japan, Egypt, New Zealand, the Philippines, and Indonesia, according to an updated version of its iCloud support document. Price increases range from 11 percent to 55 percent depending on the plan and the country. Nigeria saw the biggest hike, and a 50GB plan is now ₦1,300, up from ₦900. Türkiye saw the next largest...