iOS 26 Maps app guide: Apple release notes, compatible iPhones, open Maps after upgrade
Official iOS 26 Maps features and what to do right after you upgrade.
Already on iOS 26 and wondering what changed in Maps? Start with Apple's release notes, then open Maps to set up Visited Places, immersive Flyover views, and smarter commute routes — availability depends on model, region, and location permissions.
This release guide cites only Apple's newsroom and iPhone User Guide for iOS 26 Maps features, compatible iPhones, and the path after you install iOS 26.
What Apple ships in Maps on iOS 26
Apple's June 2025 newsroom preview and the "What's new in iOS 26" support article highlight Maps updates for everyday navigation. Points below come from Apple release notes only.
Visited Places
You can choose to have iPhone detect when you're at places like restaurants or shops and view all Visited Places in Maps. Apple states they are end-to-end encrypted and cannot be accessed by Apple. The User Guide notes Visited Places is not available in all countries or regions.
Daily routes and preferred paths
Apple's newsroom says iPhone uses on-device intelligence to better understand your daily route, presenting your preferred route when you head home or to the office, notifying you about delays, and offering alternate routes. Setup ties to Location Services such as Significant Locations & Routes per Apple's Visited Places guide.
Flyover and immersive views
The iOS 26 support article says Flyover view uses aerial imagery and Visual Intelligence models for more detailed maps. See Apple's "Explore maps with immersive views" guide.
Local Lists
Apple's release notes describe Local Lists as collections of trending locations in your area — available in the U.S. only.
Liquid Glass and Wallet links
Maps picks up the system Liquid Glass design in iOS 26. Apple's newsroom also notes refreshed Wallet boarding passes can open Maps for airport navigation alongside other travel shortcuts.
Which iPhones get these updates
Maps features ship with iOS 26. Apple Support's "How to download iOS 26" lists iPhone 11 and later plus iPhone SE (2nd generation and later).
| Series | Apple criteria | Maps notes |
|---|---|---|
| iPhone 11 | 11 / 11 Pro / 11 Pro Max | Base iOS 26 Maps updates |
| iPhone 12–14 | All variants | Regional features as Apple documents |
| iPhone 15 | 15 line | Visual Intelligence views need supported hardware |
| iPhone 16+ | 16 line and later | On-device route intelligence per newsroom |
| iPhone SE | 2nd gen and later | Compact phones qualify |
Not on iOS 26 yet? Official upgrade path (short)
See our iOS 26 upgrade guide for backup and Software Update. Minimum: iCloud backup → Settings → General → Software Update → install → confirm under About.
After iOS 26: open Maps and walk the new options
- 1
Launch Maps
Open Maps from the Home Screen. You may be prompted to turn on Visited Places on first launch.
- 2
Enable Visited Places and Location
Per Apple's "View and manage Visited Places": Settings → Apps → Maps → Location → turn on Precise Location and Visited Places; then Settings → Privacy & Security → Location Services → System Services → Significant Locations & Routes.
- 3
Browse Visited Places
In Maps, tap Places → Visited Places. Search, filter by date/category/city, or tap All Visits. Share, add notes, correct locations, or remove entries.
- 4
Try Flyover and Local Lists
Follow "Explore maps with immersive views" for Flyover. Local Lists appear for users in the U.S. per Apple's release notes.
- 5
Check home or work routes
With location services enabled, plan a trip home or to the office and watch for preferred routes, delay alerts, and alternates described in Apple's newsroom.
- 6
Manage privacy retention
At the bottom of Visited Places, set Keep Visits (3 months, 1 year, or Forever) or Clear History. Turn the feature off under Settings → Apps → Maps → Location.
To compare new Maps menus remotely, open a browser room on figmeet · guide · features.
# Official starting points
https://www.apple.com/newsroom/2025/06/apple-elevates-the-iphone-experience-with-ios-26/
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/whats-new-in-ios-26-iphfed2c4091/ios
https://support.apple.com/en-us/123705
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/view-and-manage-visited-places-iph0c2597c4f/ios
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/explore-maps-with-immersive-views-iph4faaf60f9/ios
https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/control-the-location-information-you-share-iph3dd5f9be/iosInstall iOS 26 only through Settings → General → Software Update. Manage location data in Apple's official settings — avoid unofficial profiles or modified system builds.
FAQ
No Visited Places after upgrading?
Apple notes the feature is not available in all countries or regions. Confirm iOS 26 and enable Precise Location plus Visited Places under Settings → Apps → Maps.
Are Visited Places private?
Apple Support states Visited Places are end-to-end encrypted, cannot be read by Apple, and sync across devices signed in with the same Apple Account.
Where is Local Lists?
Apple's iOS 26 release notes limit Local Lists to the United States.
Do preferred routes require Apple Intelligence?
Apple's newsroom describes on-device intelligence for daily routes; exact toggles follow the iPhone User Guide and Location Services settings.