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

67 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)
67 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
67 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
67 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
67 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)
67 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

trump lake america

Apple Maps Renames Lake Ontario 'Lake America'

Tuesday September 1, 2026 1:58 pm PDT by
Apple Maps users in the United States will now see "Lake America" instead of "Lake Ontario" for the Great Lake on the border of Ontario and New York. The updated name is currently rolling out to iPhone, iPad, and Mac users. The Maps app still has the Lake Ontario label for the body of water, but tapping it now says "Lake America." Apple will likely change the label in the next few hours....
Apple Maps Google Maps Icons

Google Maps Showing 'Lake America' in U.S., Apple Maps Yet to Follow

Monday August 31, 2026 6:33 am PDT by
Google Maps users in the U.S. will now see the name "Lake America" instead of "Lake Ontario" for the Great Lake that straddles the New York—Ontario border. Google said it made this change in response to the U.S. Geographic Names Information System (GNIS) updating the name for "Lake Ontario" to "Lake America," following an executive order issued by U.S. President Donald Trump last week....
apple maps ads live

Apple Maps Ads Are Here, and There's No Way to Turn Them Off

Tuesday August 25, 2026 1:40 pm PDT by
Ads in Apple Maps are live in the United States and Canada, which means iPhone and iPad users will see them when searching for locations and when viewing Suggested Places. Apple announced plans to bring ads to the Maps app in March, and said the feature would roll out starting in late summer. Apple confirmed to 9to5Mac that ads began showing up for users over the last few days, with ad...