# Apple Maps in iOS 26: Understanding Your Patterns and Delivering Proactive Delay Notifications
iOS 26 rolled out numerous key enhancements to Apple Maps, improving the user experience with functionalities centered around daily travel behaviors. A highlight of these updates is its capacity to recognize your common routes and generate proactive alerts regarding possible traffic delays.
## Apple Maps Can Recognize Your Patterns
At the launch event for iOS 26, Apple unveiled a new feature for Apple Maps focused on comprehending users’ everyday travel routines. As stated on Apple’s official site, this capability permits Maps to grasp the paths you often use and alert you to major delays prior to starting your trip. The system adjusts to shifts in your routine, making sure you remain updated on your commute.
With this capability, users receive notifications about delays affecting their regular routes, which is especially useful for steering clear of unanticipated traffic complications. Moreover, relevant route information is provided through the Maps ‘Suggestions’ widget.
## How to Activate Maps’ New Capability in iOS 26
To utilize this new capability, users must opt-in via a permission prompt due to the delicate nature of location information. The prompt underscores Apple’s commitment to privacy, indicating that preferred routes and anticipated destinations are stored privately on the device and not associated with the user’s Apple Account.
To activate this feature, users should select the ‘Continue’ and ‘Allow’ options when prompted. If the prompt is overlooked, the feature can be enabled by going to the Settings app, then to Apps, choosing Maps, and adjusting the toggle for ‘Preferred Routes & Predicted Destinations.’
## Conclusion
The new preferred routes functionality in Apple Maps aims to improve the commuting experience by delivering timely notifications about possible delays. Users are encouraged to opt-in to take advantage of this feature, which emphasizes privacy while providing practical support for daily travel.
