Apple Maps, known for its user-friendly interface and integration with the Apple ecosystem, has finally received a highly anticipated feature: the ability to ‘Search Here’. This fundamental addition, which comes with the rollout of iOS 18, allows users to directly search for a specific location on the map without being tied to their current position. Previously, Apple Maps would only populate results based on your current location, forcing users to constantly move and zoom the map, often leading to frustrating resets. This was a major pain point for many users, with numerous Redditors expressing their joy at this long-awaited improvement. It’s a welcome change that aligns Apple Maps with the user experience offered by Google Maps, which has boasted this feature for several years. The new ‘Search Here’ button, located on the map interface, enables you to pinpoint your search area with greater precision. For instance, if you’re searching for a ‘Wawa’ location, you can now move the map to Philadelphia and use the ‘Search Here’ button to find all the Wawa stores within the city. Beyond the ‘Search Here’ feature, iOS 18 brings a range of other enhancements to Apple Maps. The user interface has received several tweaks, with bolder colors and text for points of interest, making them easier to spot at a glance. For outdoor enthusiasts, Apple Maps now offers custom routes for walking and hiking, complete with topographic map layers and offline hiking support. You can even save notes for your hiking trails, ensuring you don’t miss any important information while exploring. The update also introduces Apple Intelligence AI features, which will be exclusive to the iPhone 15 Pro and Pro Max models. The rollout of iOS 18 is already underway in beta, with the general release expected in the fall, most likely in mid-to-late September, following the anticipated iPhone announcement. Most iPhone users will be able to take advantage of the update, starting from the iPhone SE 2nd and 3rd generation, as well as the iPhone XR. The addition of the ‘Search Here’ feature and the various enhancements to Apple Maps signify a significant step forward in improving its functionality and user experience. These changes not only cater to the needs of users but also position Apple Maps as a more competitive alternative to Google Maps, bringing it closer to parity in terms of features and functionality.
Apple Maps Finally Gets ‘Search Here’ Feature, Catching Up to Google Maps
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