Apple's Maps app may not have received as many updates in iOS 27 as some of the company's other apps, but the improvements introduced are significant and offer a more complete experience for users. Let's take a closer look at the new features worth knowing about.
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One of the most impressive improvements in iOS 27 is the upgraded Flyover feature. Apple has incorporated Vision Intelligence, which are combined with aerial imagery to deliver more detailed and realistic renderings. This technology allows for the addition of more texture and clearer renderings for trees, architecture, and other landscape elements. Apple says that select cities around the world are rendered with clearer detail, from the shapes of individual trees to the way light reflects off the glass of skyscrapers. This improvement makes Flyover more impressive and useful for users who want to explore cities with detailed 3D landscapes.
The new version of Flyover uses artificial intelligence to improve the quality of images captured from airplanes, offering a more vivid and realistic experience. This technology is particularly useful for tourists, architects and those interested in urban development, as it offers a more accurate picture of cities.
In addition to the improvements to Flyover, Apple has also updated the Maps app icon in iOS 27. The Liquid Glass icons now have more layers that resemble glass, offering more depth and a more modern look. The new Maps app icon makes the difference particularly clear, adding an aesthetic upgrade that is consistent with the rest of the changes to the operating system.
Another interesting feature is Local Lists, which uses smart suggestions to suggest places worth visiting. Maps displays locally relevant collections of places, making it easy to find popular and interesting places. This feature focuses on privacy, as it does not use information linked to individual users. However, it is only available in the United States, limiting access to international users.
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The Search now includes a Popular Restaurants, which shows the top restaurants in your area. This feature is especially useful for those looking for new dining experiences and wanting to explore local cuisines.
Natural language search in Maps has been expanded, allowing users to request directions that avoid toll roads or highways. This improvement makes the app more flexible and tailored to the user's needs.
On Apple Watch, there’s a new Parked Car widget in the Smart Stackthat lets you easily see the last known location of your car. The information syncs from your iPhone, offering a handy solution for those who often forget where they parked.
Offline Maps has also been improved in iOS 27. More locations appear on the map, labels are darker and cleaner, and there are icons that are easier to see at a glance. When you tap on a location, such as a city, the app automatically zooms in on the area, giving you a more complete view of what's there.
Finally, the Places You've Been is more accurate in iOS 27 and less likely to miss locations. This feature keeps track of the places you've visited, organizing your stops by category and location. It's accessible from your profile picture, providing easy, organized access to your past visits.
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Overall, the improvements to the Maps app in iOS 27 offer a richer and more flexible user experience, enhancing the app's value for everyday use and travel.
