iOS 26’s Apple Maps feature can save you from traffic, here’s how to set it up

Source: 9to5Mac

iOS 26 brought several solid upgrades to Apple Maps, including a feature centered on your typical routes and patterns that might save you from unexpected traffic delays.

Apple Maps in iOS 26 can learn your routines and offer proactive delay alerts

When Apple unveiled iOS 26 last June, it showed off a new feature for Apple Maps centered around your everyday routines.

Per the company’s website, here’s what the feature does:

Maps learns the routes you travel regularly and can alert you about significant delays, even before you head out. If your routine changes, iPhone adapts to it so you can conquer your commute.

Based on this information, Maps can send you push notifications when there’s a delay along your typical route. It’s great because you can find out about possible issues even before getting in the car.

Beyond these notifications, Maps can also surface timely route‑related info inside the Maps Suggestions widget.

Note: Users must opt‑in before this new feature is enabled.

How to enable Maps’ new feature in iOS 26

To enable the feature, Apple requires users to opt in via a permission prompt because of the sensitive nature of location data.

The prompt explains Apple’s privacy protections:

• “Preferred routes and predicted destinations are learned by and stored privately on your device. Only the apps you choose can access them… Preferred routes and predicted destinations are not associated with your Apple Account.”

Tap Continue and Allow to opt in.

If you miss the prompt, you can enable it manually:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Apps → Maps → Location.
3. Toggle Preferred Routes & Predicted Destinations.

Have you been using this new preferred routes feature in Apple Maps, and how has it worked for you? Let us know in the comments.