Apple has quietly introduced a powerful AI-driven upgrade to Apple Maps in the iOS 26 beta—one that could make searching for places much more intuitive and user-friendly. This feature, dubbed “Search The Way You Talk,” leverages Apple Intelligence to let users interact with Maps using conversational, natural language, similar to what’s already available in other Apple apps like Photos, Music, and TV.
What’s New in Apple Maps for iOS 26?
- Conversational Search: Instead of traditional keyword searches, you can now simply type (or speak) your request as you would say it aloud. For example, instead of searching for “restaurants open late,” you could ask, “Show me some highly-rated Italian restaurants with outdoor seating that are open after 10PM.”
- Natural Language Understanding: The AI-powered system interprets your full sentence, extracting multiple criteria (like cuisine, rating, outdoor seating, hours), and delivers more relevant, tailored results.
- No More Manual Filtering: Previously, you might have needed to refine results manually by applying filters. Now, Apple Maps understands nuanced requests, saving time and making it easier for users to find exactly what they want in one step.
- Server-Side Rollout: This addition appears to have been rolled out quietly during the iOS 26 developer beta 5 cycle, with some users receiving in-app notifications explaining the feature.
Why This Matters
Apple has not officially promoted this feature, nor did it mention a rollout for Apple Maps in its initial iOS 26 announcements. Yet, users in the beta are already seeing its benefits, especially those who rely on Maps for discovering new places. The enhancement could make Apple Maps more competitive, bringing it closer to how users search on Google Maps and other smart navigation platforms.
How Does It Work?
- Just Talk Naturally: Enter your request exactly as you would ask a friend. For instance: “Best coffee shops with free Wi-Fi.”
- Voice or Typed Input: Use the keyboard or the microphone icon—Maps will process either method.
- Intelligent Results: Apple Maps analyzes the request and serves up the most relevant places without the need for extra steps.
Should You Use It?
If you value speed and convenience, “Search The Way You Talk” is likely to streamline your experience. Early impressions suggest users can save time compared to traditional filtering methods. However, as with any new AI-powered feature, the real test will come once more people try it in everyday situations and see how well it handles complex or varied requests.
As iOS 26 approaches public release, keep an eye out for this feature to see if Apple keeps it in the final version—and get ready to explore your city in a whole new, more conversational way.