# Apple Maps in iOS 26: Innovative Features and Liquid Glass Aesthetic
iOS 26, the forthcoming major update for iPhone, brings a remarkable Liquid Glass redesign coupled with substantial improvements to Apple Maps. Following last year’s extensive updates, this iteration promises additional features that seek to enhance user experience. Here’s an in-depth look at the new capabilities in Apple Maps set to launch with iOS 26.
## Liquid Glass Aesthetic and Revamped User Interface
The most prominent modification in Apple Maps with iOS 26 is the incorporation of the Liquid Glass aesthetic, which rejuvenates the appearance of buttons and other interface elements. This visual enhancement boosts the attractiveness of place listings, guides, and various interactive features within the application.
## Major New Features
Apple Maps in iOS 26 emphasizes two main functionalities that utilize user behavior to deliver a more customized navigation experience:
### 1. Preferred Routes
Apple Maps will now adapt to users’ everyday patterns, recognizing the paths they commonly take for commutes or other routine activities. By grasping these favored routes, the app can proactively inform users about possible delays, helping to sidestep unexpected interruptions during their journeys.
Moreover, users will gain access to important route information via the ‘Suggestions’ widget on their iPhone’s Home Screen, enabling quick glimpses of traffic conditions and estimated travel durations.
### 2. Visited Places
The Visited Places feature automatically records locations users have frequented, such as restaurants or stores, without any manual entry needed. This feature offers a handy way to maintain a log of visited spots, accessible through the new ‘Visits’ menu located in the app’s Library.
While these features improve usability, they do raise privacy issues. Apple assures users that the preferred routes feature operates locally on the device, safeguarding commuting habits. Likewise, the Visited Places data is protected with end-to-end encryption, preventing Apple’s access and allowing users to easily erase their history.
## Conclusion
iOS 26 is presently undergoing beta testing and is anticipated to be available to all users this fall. With its Liquid Glass aesthetic and intelligent new features, Apple Maps is set to deliver a more intuitive and personalized navigation experience. Users are invited to share their feedback on these updates as the release approaches.
