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Using Augmented Reality Directions in Apple Maps

3rd April 2022

2:15

iPhone | QuickTips

| Maps
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iPhone 13 Pro
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iOS 15

Jacob Woolcock

3rd April 2022

Jacob Woolcock

95 views

2:15

| Maps
iphone-notch
iPhone 13 Pro
iOS-15-icon
iOS 15

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Description

I recently had the chance to go to London and experience Augmented Reality (AR) Walking Directions in Apple Maps for the first time. Here’s how (and where) it works…

In certain cities you can activate a new mode for walking directions, which will overlay large arrows and street names into the world around you. People can walk around (and even behind) them, they cast a shadow, they glow and direct you. But they’re just in certain places. Whilst this is certainly a great concept, it needs to be in far more towns and cities for it to be truly useful. Still, this #QuickTip will show you how to use these AR guides and what they look like.

Transcript

If you’re going for a walk using Maps in a big city you can use Augmented Reality directions.

Here’s how they work.

Before we get started you need to know that these Augmented Reality directions (which Apple calls Immersive Walking Directions) are only available in a few cities worldwide.

Places like London, New York, San Francisco and a few others as the list grows.

Now I recently had the chance to visit London and I thought it’s the perfect opportunity to try Augmented Reality directions and show you what they look like.

So to get started in the Maps App you’re just going to search for a destination and get a route as normal.

Make sure you’re on a walking route as these directions only work for walking, and then press Go.

Now, as you’re probably used to, you get that map on the screen with the blue line and the arrows and directions telling you where to go.

But if you’re in one of those cities you can use the Augmented Reality button on the right hand side.

Now when you do this your iPhone camera is going to use some really clever technology to work out exactly what street you’re on and what you’re looking at right now.

And you do that by simply panning your phone around at the street opposite you.

Apple Maps will work out the buildings that are there and it will start bringing directions into the world for you.

That means as soon as it’s calibrated, as I move my iPhone around, these massive street signs and arrows will appear in the world around me.

As you start walking towards your destination those signs will stay in place as if they were street signs, and then as you walk past them new ones will emerge as you get nearer your destination.

I really liked using this experience in landscape.

So when I turn my iPhone I get a much more immersive view of the world around me and those navigation directions as well.

Of course I can’t help but think this would be absolutely brilliant on some sort of ‘AR Headset’ in the future so you’re not walking around holding your phone.

Perhaps it just shows up in your glasses or something…?

Maybe that’s a #QuickTip for a few years time!

As I come around the corner and start going along the Queen’s Walk I can see Tower Bridge up ahead of me.

I don’t need that giant arrow anymore – I can use my own eyes to work out I’ve got to my destination!

And that is Augmented Reality directions on Maps.

Can you use it in your city yet?

Let me know in the comments down below if you have tried it and what you think – and I’ll see you in the next #QuickTip.

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About Maps
The Maps app is Apple's navigation and mapping application that provides detailed maps, turn-by-turn directions, real-time traffic updates, and public transit information. It also features points of interest, indoor maps for major locations, and seamless integration with other Apple services, offering a comprehensive tool for travel and exploration.
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Video Details

This QuickTip video was recorded on an iPhone 13 Pro
running iOS 15.

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Additional Information

The content used in this video is intended for educational and informational purposes only. All rights to the images, music, clips, and other media used belong to their respective owners. I do not claim ownership over any third-party content used. This video has not been authorised, sponsored, or otherwise approved by Apple Inc.

iPhone, iPad and iPadOS are trademarks of Apple Inc., registered in the U.S. and other countries and regions. iOS is a registered trademark of Cisco Systems Inc. Whilst I have done my best to list all applicable trademarks for this video, in the (hopefully unlikely) event that I have missed any you can find a full list of trademarks registered to Apple Inc. here.

Finally, please note that whilst every effort has been made to ensure the information contained within this video was correct at time of publication, please be aware that as future updates and software changes occur some or all elements of this video may become outdated. I will endeavour to remove videos which are completely obsolete so as not to cause confusion!
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