iOS 17 Maps: Everything New in Apple Maps
With the release of iOS 17, Apple introduced several updates to the Maps app. While the improvements are more subtle compared to previous iOS versions, the update still brings a few highly requested features and quality-of-life enhancements.
Offline Maps
One of the biggest additions in iOS 17 is support for offline maps. Users can now download maps directly to their device and access them without a cellular or Wi-Fi connection.
Downloaded maps include detailed information such as business hours, ratings, and turn-by-turn navigation, allowing Apple Maps to function almost normally even when offline. The only limitation is that real-time traffic updates are unavailable.
To save an offline map, users can search for a location or drop a pin in the Maps app and select the Download option. Apple provides a flexible drag-and-drop interface so users can choose exactly how much of the area they want to save.
Apple also supports downloading large regions, including entire cities and nearby surrounding areas. For example, users can save a map covering Los Angeles and extending from Bakersfield to San Diego. Download sizes vary depending on the selected region, ranging from a few hundred megabytes to several gigabytes.
Limited Service Alerts
Apple Maps can now detect routes that pass through areas with poor or unreliable cellular coverage. When this happens, the app recommends downloading the map in advance for offline use.
Currently, this feature is mainly available for U.S. National Parks.
Electric Vehicle Charging Improvements
For electric vehicle drivers, Apple Maps now shows real-time charging station availability along navigation routes. Users can also filter charging stations to display only options compatible with their specific vehicle.
Refreshed Navigation Interface
The turn-by-turn navigation screen has received a small interface update. Instead of hiding transportation modes inside a dropdown menu, Apple now displays quick-access icons for driving, walking, public transit, and other travel options directly on the screen.
Arrival time details and route preference settings remain accessible through the same menu used in iOS 16.
Voice Volume Controls
Apple has also added more control over navigation voice guidance. During turn-by-turn directions, users can tap the arrow button to access new voice volume settings.
Available options include:
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Softer
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Normal
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Louder
This new control appears alongside existing options like Add Stop, Share ETA, and Report an Incident.
Learn More
iOS 17 includes many additional features and improvements beyond Maps, making it one of Apple’s more refined software updates for iPhone users.