Local tracking via Apple Maps: With iOS 26 & Co. possible for the first time

Many users of Google Maps and/or Android devices do not know that they Remember the location of the location alias “time axis” can. It is not uncommon for the feature to be activated and users fall from all clouds when they find that they (and Google) track themselves. Apple has so far been very reserved in these functions. On request, the iPhone knows so -called important places, for example to be able to calculate how long you need to work. However, there is no regular location, not even in Apple’s in-house card app (Apple Maps). But sometimes a course is helpful: for example, if you want to understand tourist tours again. With iOS 26, Apple is now reacting to this user request and incorporating a corresponding feature in Apple Maps. However, it is optional and should also only save data savings locally.

Visited places with more detailed information

The feature is called “Visited Places” (visited places) and will initially not be available in the European Union – apparently because Apple fears regulation. “In Apple Maps, ‘visited places’ help the users remembering places where they have already been. Users can determine that their iPhone recognizes when they are in a place like a restaurant or a shop, and display all their places visited in maps”, “, Writes Apple in addition. According to the group, visited places are either only available locally or are protected by end-to-end encryption if they are synchronized via the cloud. You “cannot be called up by Apple,” said the iPhone manufacturer.

In practice, the places visited can be found via a new menu that can be found via your own profile picture (you have to be logged into iCloud). There are then both the self -marked places and “guides” as well as the automatically saved places. Apple does not track the way, but the place – Maps tries to assign suitable locations such as the restaurants or shops mentioned. If this goes wrong, you can make a correction via a “wrong place” button. Useful: You can also add a note, evaluate it or delete it from the local history.

iPhone as a local memory

Testers of the current developer beta of iOS 26 report that the function is already working well. So for the first time it is possible to remember places that have already been forgotten or not marked by hand. The local history is growing constantly and users can access them at any time.

In the meantime, Apple will also have to combine Apple Maps with Apple Intelligence. Thanks to AI, the iPhone should better understand the daily route of the user under iOS 26 and suggest the preferred route on his way or to work. You will also be informed about possible traffic jams and delays and then get alternative routes as a suggestion.