Apple Maps does not (yet) have an offline function. Still, there is a way to get from A to B without an internet connection with Apple’s map service. In this article, we’ll show you how it works.
Using Apple Maps Offline
To get straight to the point: in Apple Maps you cannot make entire maps available offline as in, for example, Google Maps. With the latter you simply indicate how large area you want to download, after which you download the map. Then you can go on the road without internet.
This is currently impossible in Apple Maps. There is an emergency solution available in Apple’s map service, so that you only need an internet connection when planning the route. How to use Apple Maps offline:
- Open Apple Maps on your iPhone;
- Enter the destination address and wait for the route to load completely;
- Start with the route and now turn off your internet connection (wifi and/or mobile data);
- You can now navigate offline in Apple Maps.
It is therefore not possible to save an entire map. You can only make a specific navigation route available offline. So you can get to your destination offline, but when planning a next route you need an internet connection. This may soon change. The completely new Apple Maps update is also coming to Europe. Perhaps this will include an offline function.
Alternatives
Are you going on holiday outside the European Union, or do you just have a small data bundle? Then it can be useful to install some maps on your iPhone in advance. In our article about offline navigation apps, we list some useful programs for this. Our personal favorite is Google Maps. Google’s maps app has an extensive mode that allows you to easily save maps.