Compared to third-party map applications, the old Apple Maps app was laughably out of date. You couldn’t scroll ahead, it was clunky, there was barely any traffic information – bleh. The only reason we used it is because it came with the phone.
Apple gave Maps a complete overhaul in iOS 10, which is great news for any avid Maps users. Maps probably has the most new features to check out. This includes traffic search functions, live traffic information for spotting hold-ups, and the ability to add stops to your route.
The app itself has even gotten smarter. When Apple detects a road becoming clogged up, it will automatically suggest another route to take. You can decide for yourself whether or not you want to take it.
The iOS 10 Maps app has also received a cosmetic makeover – Apple embraced a bolder, cleaner look with the new Maps app with a new font that seems to make the words pop far better.
The top and bottom navigation bars have disappeared entirely to be replaced by more useful context.
Apple has also improved the predictions it shows you when you search for a location. It will give you an easy shortcut to get directions Home from wherever you are in a city or country.
Let’s walk you through the ins and outs of the new Maps app.
Setting Your Destination
To set your ultimate destination open Maps and tap on the Search bar. You can search for specific addresses (e.g. 144 Anywhere St.) or place names (MTS Centre).
Getting Directions
Maps will find your locations automatically. To center the map on your location press the locate button.
You can now press the Directions button to dial up the best route to your destination.
Choosing A Route
Maps will present you with various routes to your destination. Each one has it’s own estimation for the amount of time it will take to get there.
Choose the route you want to take by tapping it. Once you’re ready to get on your way, press Go. This will show you the live directions.
To change your route midway through navigation, swipe up from the bottom and change your route by tapping overview.
The route will also tell you if you’re going to hit any tolls. It will always give you the option to take a toll-free route if one exists. Keep your eyes peeled for a $ or Euro sign, this signifies a toll route. There will also be a notification that says “This route requires tolls”.
View Live Traffic Info
Before you pick your route you may want to take a look at the live traffic information. If a route is marked with orange and red that indicates that traffic is moving slowly at that location.
Generally, orange means that there is a hold up but traffic is moving, and red means there is roadwork or a serious incident that is blocking traffic.
Zoom In And Out
You can zoom in and out to take a closer look at the location of traffic. Place two fingers on the map and move them towards each other or further away from each other.
Add Stops To Your Journey
One of the best additions the iOS 10 Maps app is the ability to add stops to the journey. By default Maps gives you the option to show gas stations along the route, coffeeshops and restaurants along the route.
For example, tap Gas Stations.
Then, choose a gas station, tap it. Choose the route you’ll take to the station. Tap Go when you’re ready.
When you’re done navigating to the gas station, tap the Resume Route button at the top of the screen.
Scroll Ahead While in Navigation and See Upcoming Directions
Another huge upgrade to the Maps app was the ability to scroll ahead while navigating. This takes little explanation, in fact you simply have to drag your finger to take a look around.
Alternatively, you can take a look at all of the written directions that are queued up. To take a look at these, tap the Details button.
iOS 10 Has Better Search Functions
Apple Maps used to use exclusively Yelp’s data base of places, landmarks, restaurants and reviews for the same. While it still pulls primarily from the Yelp database, they have a lot more specific search options to explore.
For example, typing in ‘Wine’ will bring up a variety of options to search in your area: Beer, Wine & Spirits stores, Wineries, and then the closest stores that sell wine.
Or, if you want to go even more broad, try tapping the Food & Drinks icon.
This will bring up a variety of sub-options including Restaurants, Fast Food, and Coffee Shops.
Try tapping one of these options. For this example, we’ll use Restaurants. This brings up a bunch of options near to you.
You can also drag your map to a different area of town and use the same technique. This will usually bring up a variety of restaurants in that area. Sometimes, this can be a little glitchy, but it usually works.
There are also many other options you can explore beyond food. Whether you need an automotive shop, a clothing store, a music store, or bike rentals, searching for it on Maps will bring you to the nearest one!
Parked Car Function
One of the handiest new features in iOS is the Parked Car function. As the name would suggest, you phone keeps track of where you parked your car and will lead you right back to it.
To use this feature, you need to be able to connect to your vehicle with BlueTooth or be using CarPlay.
You don’t even need to do anything for this to work. Simply keep BlueTooth/CarPlay on, and your phone will detect when it last communicated with your car.
When you want to find your car, open the maps app and tap the Search field. Here, you can select Parked Car and it will lead you to your vehicle.
It will also tell you how long you’ve been parked there, which is extremely useful if you’re on a timed meter!
This article originally appeared in our monthly subscription newsletter, iExpertnews.
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