How to Navigate with Apple Maps
G
oogle Maps has set the bar high when it comes to navigation apps, and yet I keep coming back to Apple Maps for its seamless integration with iOS and its ever-improving features. For those of you on the same page, here are some tips to make your Apple Maps experience that much better. Take that, Google!How to Save Locations as Favorites
Setting locations as Favorites makes it really convenient to get directions on the fly, especially when you're planning a route with multiple stops. To save a favorite in Maps, first identify a location, such as the Statue of Liberty. Type your query in the search bar in Maps and tap on it. Swipe up on the information card, scroll all the way down, and tap Add to Favorites. To access your Favorites in the future, swipe up on the search card located along the bottom of the app and scroll down to the bottom, past the list of recent locations. Tap Favorites for a list of locations you've saved. Tap on a destination and tap Directions, and you'll be on your way.
Avoid Toll Roads
Nothing puts a damper on a road trip like having to stop and pay at a bunch of tollbooths. With Apple Maps, you can plan a route that avoids tolls altogether. Here's how: Go in to the Settings app on your iPhone and scroll down to Maps. Select Driving & Navigation, and toggle on the option to avoid tolls. Now, when you request directions to a destination in Maps, the highlighted route will avoid tolls by default. Faster routes that require tolls may appear, but next to the route you'll see a dollar sign indicating it includes toll roads. If you want to save time and don't mind spending some money, you can choose the toll road route. Otherwise, your toll-free route will be ready to go.
How to Find Your Parked Car
No more getting lost in the parking lot or taking pictures of signs to help remember where you parked. This Apple Maps feature helps you spot your car among a sea of vehicles, as long as your car comes with a Car Play system or Bluetooth stereo that pairs with your iPhone. To make sure you have the feature enabled, head to Settings on your iPhone, select Maps, and toggle on Show Parked Location. When enabled, your parked car will appear on your map view as a blue pin, as well as under Recent Locations on the search bar and on the Maps widget. If you tap on your parked car, you can see more specific information and add notes or photos to help you remember the exact location. Tap Directions to get walking directions to your vehicle.
Stop Along Your Route
Did you know you can take a pit stop along your route without canceling directions to your final destination? Once you're en route to your destination, you can do this by swiping up on the bar at the bottom of your screen to see a selection of destinations along your way, such as gas stations or coffee spots. Tap the name of a place to see a revised route and ETA, and tap Go. Once you're done taking the detour, just tap Resume Route and you'll be back on track to your original destination.