Photo: Bogdan Popa/autoevolution/reddit user KickNo5073
This year's edition of WWDC is already over, and many people were surprised to see Apple not even mention Apple Maps and CarPlay during the event.
The demise of the Apple Car project forces the iPhone maker to rethink its automotive ambitions, and the most logical workaround is to invest heavily in software and services.
As a result, Apple Maps and CarPlay should get much more love, which is so not what is happening these days in the Apple space. However, it doesn't mean the parent company is completely ignoring these products.
The first iOS 18 developer build includes evidence that Apple is working on subtle refinements for its car experiences, and Apple Maps is expected to receive a new feature that many users didn't believe they needed.
A screenshot shared recently on reddit reveals a new "Search here" button in Apple Maps. If you've used Google Maps, you probably know what it does. If you haven't, here's why it's such a useful addition.
Apple Maps isn't only a navigation app but also a solution that is supposed to let you explore the world. If you search for Starbucks, you can type the keyword in the search box and see all locations in your city.
When you move the map to another region, the "Search here" button allows you to conduct the same search again without typing another keyword in the search box. With this feature, you can find what you're looking for in a different place, so you won't have to repeat the search from the start every time you move around.
Apple Maps has been offering a way to simplify this experience for a couple of years. Every time you move around to explore more results, Apple Maps automatically reconducts a search. For example, if you look for restaurants in your region but move to another area, Apple Maps automatically searches for restaurants in your new location.
The "Search here" button improves the experience by allowing you to search for the same information when you change zoom level, settings, or views.
The feature is currently integrated into the first developer builds of iOS 18 and shipped to registered devs for testing. It should become available for all users in September when iOS 18 reaches the production stages and goes live for all iPhones. However, I expect Apple to continue to refine Apple Maps, so I wouldn't be surprised to see more options landing in the app in the coming weeks and months.
Apple Maps will also receive support for custom routes in iOS 18, albeit the feature will only support walking. Apple will likely add driving mode at a later time, but it's unclear if the company will complete the development by the time iOS 18 lands in the production stage in the fall.
As a result, Apple Maps and CarPlay should get much more love, which is so not what is happening these days in the Apple space. However, it doesn't mean the parent company is completely ignoring these products.
The first iOS 18 developer build includes evidence that Apple is working on subtle refinements for its car experiences, and Apple Maps is expected to receive a new feature that many users didn't believe they needed.
A screenshot shared recently on reddit reveals a new "Search here" button in Apple Maps. If you've used Google Maps, you probably know what it does. If you haven't, here's why it's such a useful addition.
Apple Maps isn't only a navigation app but also a solution that is supposed to let you explore the world. If you search for Starbucks, you can type the keyword in the search box and see all locations in your city.
When you move the map to another region, the "Search here" button allows you to conduct the same search again without typing another keyword in the search box. With this feature, you can find what you're looking for in a different place, so you won't have to repeat the search from the start every time you move around.
Apple Maps has been offering a way to simplify this experience for a couple of years. Every time you move around to explore more results, Apple Maps automatically reconducts a search. For example, if you look for restaurants in your region but move to another area, Apple Maps automatically searches for restaurants in your new location.
The "Search here" button improves the experience by allowing you to search for the same information when you change zoom level, settings, or views.
The feature is currently integrated into the first developer builds of iOS 18 and shipped to registered devs for testing. It should become available for all users in September when iOS 18 reaches the production stages and goes live for all iPhones. However, I expect Apple to continue to refine Apple Maps, so I wouldn't be surprised to see more options landing in the app in the coming weeks and months.
Apple Maps will also receive support for custom routes in iOS 18, albeit the feature will only support walking. Apple will likely add driving mode at a later time, but it's unclear if the company will complete the development by the time iOS 18 lands in the production stage in the fall.
Google News