Are you a hiking enthusiast and love exploring new trails? Imagine being able to plan your walks directly from your phone or connected watch. Apple Maps now offers this possibility with a new feature dedicated to hikers. Curious to know how it works? Read on to discover all the new features.
The 3 must-know facts
After being available in the United States and Great Britain, Apple Maps hiking routes are coming to Europe. This feature allows users to discover trails specifically dedicated to walkers, including detailed information on elevation, difficulty, and must-see viewpoints. This information is accessible on the iPhone and Apple Watch, turning the latter into a true hiking GPS.
To access these routes, simply type “Hikes” in the app’s search engine. Although this method may seem inconvenient for some, it marks a promising start for Apple Maps in the hiking domain.
In addition to the new hiking options, Apple Maps has recently integrated radar zone alerts through CarPlay. This feature alerts drivers to the presence of fixed speed cameras with a dedicated icon on the GPS. Although this option is not yet available in France, it is being rolled out in other regions.
This gradual update aims to improve road safety by alerting drivers to areas of increased vigilance.
While this new hiking feature is a welcome addition to Apple Maps, it does not yet replace the specialized apps that dominate the market. These often offer more detailed and customizable options, which users are accustomed to.
Nevertheless, Apple Maps continues to evolve by regularly adding new features, which could encourage some users to explore its integrated options.
Apple Maps was launched in 2012 as an alternative to Google Maps. Despite a rocky start marked by mapping errors, the app has since evolved significantly. Thanks to regular updates, Apple has improved the accuracy and reliability of its service. Today, Apple Maps is a widely used tool, offering not only road routes but also options for pedestrians, cyclists, and now hikers.
With features such as hiking routes and radar alerts, Apple Maps continues to develop, meeting the varied needs of its users and asserting its place in the navigation app market.