Apple is enhancing its Maps application in iOS 26 by integrating Apple Intelligence into the search function, allowing users to input natural language queries and making the app’s search capabilities more effective.
This integration follows a similar pattern seen in other Apple applications, such as the Photos app, Apple Music, and the TV app, where Apple has enhanced search features. With iOS 26, Maps becomes the latest native app to receive this AI-powered search infusion, marking a significant update to one of the app’s core functions.
The feature operates seamlessly in the background on devices that support Apple Intelligence, without requiring a separate or special mode within Maps. Users on iOS 26 may encounter a popup titled “Search the Way You Talk,” which provides an example of using natural language for searches, such as “Find cafes with free Wi‑Fi.”
The capability to process complex requests is attributed to Apple applying the same AI language tools that drive other system features, including generating notification summaries, categorizing emails in the Mail app, and providing Smart Replies. These tools enable Maps to understand and deliver accurate results for more intricate queries.
A test during the iOS 26 beta period demonstrates the improvement, where the query “Coffee shops near Disney World that have Wi‑Fi” was successfully understood by Maps, delivering the correct results. In contrast, this complex search would have been challenging for Maps in iOS 18, highlighting the significant enhancement brought about by the integration of Apple Intelligence.
