Apple Maps has covered a long path of a disaster to become a somewhat useful service. Although I usually prefer it to Google Maps, I understand that there are still challenges when choosing the two. Apple cards, of course, benefit from being fully integrated into Apple’s ecosystem, which facilitates the routes directly from my Apple Watch or Airpods.
However, the level of precision that Google Maps offers is difficult to beat. Even now, I sometimes see incorrect information on Apple cards or routes that are not ideal. The service also works better in certain cities such as New York, London and Paris. To be fair, when I was in Péurgie in the center of Italy, the two services struggled to show the most effective routes.
Even with the best card experience in Paris, Apple Maps always has a major defect that I do not think that iOS 26 or Watchos 26 repair: walking directions when using public transport.
There is nothing more touristy than walking in a big city with your phone in hand. But as a person who has lived in cities all my life, it also makes me an easier target for flight. When I define the instructions on my iPhone and start using my Apple Watch and my AirPods, I just need to take a look at my watch for the directions. It’s so practical and stress -free.
But if I select the public transport option instead of walking, Apple Maps manages the routes in a strange way. Instead of giving me haptic comments on the watch or audio indices on the AirPods, it just shows tiny points on the Apple Watch display which are difficult to see. Of course, it’s clearer on the iPhone, but it brings me back to the reason why I try to avoid using my phone in the street.
The solution is simple, so why didn’t Apple understand?
Whether I need to walk on a mile or just a few houses, Apple should give me the same information on the route as if I walked throughout the way. Once I’m at the bus stop or at the metro station, the advice can remain the same. But when using public transport, Apple cards should be clearer about how to get to your destination.
This would make navigation easier and safer, especially in the cities that I did not know.
That said, Apple has some new features at iOS 26 and Watchos 26 for Apple Maps.
- Favorite roads: Apple Maps can learn your routine and alert you significant delays before you even leave. Your iPhone will also adapt if your routine changes.
- Place visits in cards: This feature will not be available for everyone, but it will allow you to rediscover places from past trips, like this large coffee, using the Visitd Places option.
- Airport cards: Depending on your boarding pass, you can easily access airport cards. Apple will also provide luggage monitoring with Find MY, as well as other details.
Conclude
While Apple highlighted Apple cards more in the main WWDC Keynotes, I hope they soon approach this major defect. A service like this must be precise and always ready to help users.
While Apple extends Apple Maps on more platforms, users must have confidence that they will get the right information each time.
