This anticipated update would allow users to tailor their navigation experience, offering the flexibility to choose alternate paths that might be more scenic, familiar, or simply more preferable than the default suggestions provided by Apple Maps. This level of customization has been long-awaited, as it grants users greater autonomy over their travel plans, enabling them to avoid certain routes that may not suit their preferences for various reasons.
According to insights from MacRumors, who have analyzed newly added backend code to Apple Maps tagged ‘CustomRouteCreation’, this feature might initially be available exclusively in the United States. While the specifics of how this feature operates remain under wraps, the code’s suggestive title hints at exciting possibilities for route customization.
It’s important to note, however, that until an official confirmation from Apple, the inclusion of this feature in the upcoming iOS update remains speculative. Nevertheless, the presence of ‘CustomRouteCreation’ in the code, coupled with the high demand for such a feature among Apple Maps users, suggests that iOS 18 could indeed introduce this novel functionality to the iPhone app.
Looking ahead, the Apple Worldwide Developers Conference (WWDC) 2024, scheduled for June 10, is eagerly anticipated. This event is likely to unveil the next array of updates for Apple’s suite of software, enhancing the experience for users of iPhones, iPads, and Mac devices. Beyond software, the event might also showcase new hardware innovations, potentially spotlighting advancements in AI, as hinted at by Apple’s marketing efforts, including a notable tweet from Greg Joswiak emphasizing “Absolutely Incredible” (AI) developments.
In summary, the upcoming iOS 18 update holds the promise of significant enhancements to Apple Maps, most notably the introduction of customizable routes. This feature represents a significant leap forward in personalizing navigation, offering users unprecedented control over their travel experiences. As we look forward to WWDC 2024, the anticipation builds for what other innovations Apple will reveal, both in software and hardware, with a particular focus on the integration and advancement of AI technologies.
By Andrej Kovacevic
Updated on 23rd April 2024