> WHAT’S YOUR ETA?

When you’re running late and want to keep loved ones up–to–date on when you’ll be home, the new Share ETA (Estimated Time of Arrival) feature will keep those annoying “What time will you be home?” texts and calls at bay — even if your journey is taking longer than expected.

1 Chart a course

Open Maps and choose a destination, whether it’s one from your Favorites (more on those in a moment), or another place entered in the search field. Tap the blue Directions button, then the green Go button to start your travel. (Pro tip: This process can be completely automated by adding people directly to the Details screen of your Favorites.)

2 Sharing is caring

With Apple Maps now in navigation mode, tap on the small grey bar at the bottom, which will slide up to reveal the new Share ETA option; tap to select. Should you decide to share after starting a trip (while the car is stopped, naturally!), swipe up from the gray bar instead, where you’ll see a Share ETA button in the lower–left corner instead.

3 Choose your faves

You’ll see a sheet with six options: Five of your closest and frequently used contacts, and an option to select others instead. Tap the avatars you want to share your location with. If you select the wrong person, tap again before the blue ring circles their avatar; otherwise, end sharing at any point in your route the same way. You can select more than one person.

4 Keep in touch

Once you’ve made your selections, the Share ETA screen will close, replaced by a message across the bottom of Apple Maps displaying the number of people you’re sharing with. On the receiving end, iOS 13 users will receive an iMessage that you’re en route, with a link to open Apple Maps so they can keep tabs on your arrival.