Soon, you’ll be able to rely on Apple Maps even when offline, thanks to its upcoming ability to download a certain map section via iOS 17.
Apple’s next update is exciting due to the slew of new features and improvements it could bring to the system. One of them is the new download option in Apple Maps to allow you to save a portion of a map for later use. When downloaded, it will include all the essential details to be able to show them to you even when you go offline. For instance, opening the map should still show you the nearby places, estimated time of arrival, and travel directions (driving, walking, cycling, and public transit). You can even zoom in on the areas and see them on your paired Apple Watch. Nonetheless, note that these details will only be available as long as you stay within the map region you downloaded.
While this is good news, it is worth noting that Apple is not the first to introduce offline maps function in devices. The same capability has been available in Google Maps for years now, causing many Apple users to voice their complaints about the absence of the feature in iOS. With this, it is such a relief that Apple has finally listened to these requests to give us a handy map feature in the future.
The move is also a part of Apple’s initiative to make its iPhones and other devices continuously functional and useful even without connections. To recall, Apple launched its satellite service last September to allow users to send messages to their contacts when in places without connection completely. It can be helpful for exploring unfamiliar places, including deserted areas and more. And by combining this functionality with offline maps, iPhones could turn into emergency devices that users can rely on everywhere they go.
The new download option can be accessed by launching your Apple Maps and tapping on your avatar, where you’ll see the new Offline Maps button. There, you can select “Download New Map,” and you can search for the region you need to download. The map will give you a cropping-like tool to mark the downloaded area, and your iPhone should inform you how much storage is required for this download. Once you have identified the area, tap on the “Download” button, and you’ll be able to see the offline map in the Downloaded section of the app.
You can use this map when you go offline or when you go to places where the signal is unavailable or spotty. Yet, if you keep your WiFi or mobile on at all times, the map should update automatically when it finds a connection to include the latest updates when you’re already moving. If you want, you can also turn this function off, so it won’t have to update and include unnecessary updates.
What do you think of this feature? Let us know in the comment section!