Since iOS 17, you can select areas in Apple’s Maps app and download them for offline use. Since watchOS 11 you can synchronize this and also use it on the Apple Watch.
This allows Apple Watch users to follow turn-by-turn directions in the car, on public transportation, on a bike or on foot without having to connect to the internet and iPhone. Not only routes can be followed offline, you will also see an estimated arrival time, you can search for places in the area and consult the information maps.
Download Apple Maps offline
- Open the Maps app on your iPhone or iPad
- Tap your profile photo next to the search field
- Choose ‘Offline maps’
- Tap ‘Download new map’
- Search for the location you want to download
Now adjust the map so that you can download the desired area. Then tap ‘Download’ to enable offline availability. Once the map is downloaded, you can use it offline.
Sync offline maps with Apple Watch
Do you own an Apple Watch with watchOS 11 or newer? Then you can sync the offline maps you downloaded on your iPhone with an Apple Watch. This means that the downloaded maps can also be used offline on the smart watch without the intervention of the iPhone.
- Open Maps on your iPhone (iOS 18 or newer)
- Tap your profile photo
- Choose ‘Offline maps’
- Turn on the ‘Sync with Apple Watch’ option
When you charge your Apple Watch and your iPhone is nearby, watchOS and iOS will synchronize the maps so that you can also use them offline on the Apple Watch. Do you want to transfer immediately? Then tap the card at the top of the list and choose ‘Download now’ on your Apple Watch.
Manage downloaded maps on Apple Watch
On the Apple Watch, you can manage the maps by opening the Maps app, tapping the magnifying glass and then tapping your profile photo. Choose ‘Offline maps’.
Use offline maps
If you are in the area of ​​an offline map, this will become visible in the search field of the Maps app. You can follow full step-by-step route directions in your car, on public transport, by bike or on foot without having to connect to the internet.
Not only routes can be followed offline, you can also search for places in the area and consult the information maps. For example, you can see the opening hours of shops, you can search for restaurants and read a selection of reviews. Traffic information is provided not shown.