The Maps app on our iPhone is getting better and better. From its launch to the latest redesigns to show more and more information of our environment, Apple adds features with each update. There is one feature, however, that has eluded the Maps app until now: the ability to use it offline.
How to download maps for when we don’t have internet
The truth is that Maps could be used offline before iOS 17. Thanks to a generous cache, all recent views were saved, but we had to see them to do so. While traveling, for example, if we consulted the maps in the hotel before leaving our Wi-Fi, we could then view the information on the street. The system, however, goes much further in iOS 17.
Now, to download a map and use it offline, the steps to follow are as follows:
- We open the Maps app on our iPhone.
- We touch our photo, at the bottom right.
- We go to Offline Maps.
- We tap on Download new map.
- We search for the city or region we are interested in.
- If we want, we can modify the area to be downloaded using the handles that appear inside the box and zooming.
- Click on Download.
Done. From now on, when we do not have internet connection, we will be able to continue consulting the maps. The same application will send us a notification when the download is complete. In addition, this will appear in the Downloads section of the section in which we are, from where, if we wish, we can slide to delete it.
Note that the offline maps also include the places of interest, as well as their data such as opening hours, telephone numbers, websites, etc. In addition, the downloaded maps will also appear on our Apple Watch, from where we cannot download them, but we can enjoy them.
Obviously, the larger the region, the larger the download size. The good thing is that we can repeat the process and download as many different regions as we need. Note, here, that the offline maps are not a one-time static capture; they will be automatically updated with the latest changes when we are connected to the internet. Such downloads are performed by default only through the Wi-Fi network, but we can change the configuration to download also through the mobile network.
With downloaded maps, when no network is available, the system will use the downloaded map if it is applicable to our current location. We can also force the application to use only the downloaded map content. To do this, we simply enable Use offline maps only after following the first three steps above.
This way, even if there is an internet connection available, Maps will use only the downloaded data, which can be useful to decrease mobile data consumption or in situations with slow or unstable connections. Something we will notice even more on our Apple Watch, where the cellular connection requires intensive data usage if we don’t have our iPhone with us.
Although its utility is different, the map download system for offline use is also available on the iPad. Thus, we can use the iPad’s larger screen to receive directions while driving, for example, or simply for reference.
With iOS 17 and its new features, Apple has taken a big step forward to update its map service, with several improvements. Being able to download the maps for offline use is very convenient, and something that we are very grateful for when traveling. A resource that guarantees that, wherever we are, we will have the most updated information possible in the palm of our hand.
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