Take a hike!

How to use new hiking features in Apple Maps.

Author

Leander Kahney
August 21, 2024

In partnership with

I’ve been riding a bicycle for exercise forever, but after I broke my collarbone earlier this year (falling off my bike, unfortunately), I started walking daily to stay in shape.

Let me tell you, it’s the best thing I’ve ever done for my mental health.

Walking a couple of miles to and from work every day vastly improved my mood, my optimism and my energy.

So it’s good news that Apple added a bunch of new hiking and walking options to Apple Maps.

In iOS 18, you can access rich topographical hiking maps of U.S. national parks (all 63 of them), plus local trails, right on your iPhone.

You can see details of trails, create custom hikes and save them for offline access in case there’s no cell signal.

Here’s how to get the most out of the new hiking maps in iOS 18.

Also in today’s newsletter:

  • If you own a Sonos speaker system and hate the new app, you’re probably tempted to just downgrade to the old one. Here’s why that ain’t happening.

  • If you charge your Apple Watch overnight and don’t wear it to bed, you might be interested in this sleep ring.

  • Someone knows what they’re doing with regard to mood lighting in today’s featured setup.

  • We just hands-on reviewed a small desktop GaN charger with a super-cool screen for displaying the charging status of each port. Plus, it’s got a good-looking retro transparent front.

— Leander Kahney, EIC.

A message from PromoTix

Startup PromoTix ($48M in traction) is saving the events industry

  • Solving high ticket fees and low attendance issues

  • Offers low-fee, SaaS, and patented marketing tools

  • Raising funds for expansion; profitable with 656k users

Browse local hiking trails and build custom walking routes in Apple Maps

You can get rich topographical hiking maps of your local trails and U.S. national parks on your iPhone, right in Apple Maps.

Why Sonos can't bring back its older, better app

The company addresses concerns over its much-maligned new app (and plans to improve it).

AppleCare+ renewal is now available within 45 days after expiration

Apple gives some iPhone, iPad and Mac owners more leeway for insuring their devices.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Get a sleep-tracking ring for just $99

There's an easy, comfortable way to learn what's going on while you sleep. Get your sleep stats with the Go2Sleep 3 sleep-tracking ring.

Most Apple users pay for extra iCloud storage

About two-thirds of U.S. Apple users subscribe to iCloud+ storage, and Apple TV+ is more popular than you might think.

Update brings audio sharing to Beats Studio Pro headphones

Audio sharing with Beats Studio Pro lets you easily share what you listen to with family and friends via a connected iPhone or iPad.

A message from the Cult of Mac Deals team

Price drop: Make marvelous diagrams with Microsoft Visio Pro, now less than $20

Create easy-to-understand visuals with confidence when you get Microsoft Visio Professional 2021 for just $19.97.

Nomad updates luxe 3-in-1 Stand One Max with Qi2 wireless charging

An upgrade brings a MagSafe-like charging experience to more devices.

Act fast to get up to $250 off M2 and M3 MacBook Air models

If you'd like to get up to $250 off M2 and M3 Book Air models -- and who wouldn't? -- head to Amazon with these links.

Acefast 218W power station makes a stylish addition to your desk [Review] ★★★★½

Looking to top up your MacBook, iPad and other devices simultaneously? This powerful desktop charger can make it happen with a touch of class.

Today in Apple history: Apple fan Jerry Seinfeld joins the dark side

On August 21, 2008, Microsoft recruited comedian and Apple super-fan Jerry Seinfeld to appear in a series of ads to take on ... Apple?

Monitor smackdown: Studio Display vs. Samsung ViewFinity S9 [Setups]

With today's MacBook Pro setup, a user seeks advice on whether to go with a Samsung ViewFinity S9 monitor or a Studio Display.

Tweets of the day

Wallpaper of the day

One more thing ...

❝

I would rather compete with Sony than compete in another product category with Microsoft. That's because Sony has to rely on other companies to make its software. We're the only company that owns the whole widget -- the hardware, the software and the operating system. We can take full responsibility for the user experience. We can do things that the other guy can't do.

— Steve Jobs, 2002.

Today’s poll

What do you use Apple Maps for most often?

Login or Subscribe to participate in polls.

Results from yesterday’s poll: How skeptical were you really about the fake iPhone event invite?

Best reader comments

Subscribe to The Weekender — Get the week's best Apple news, reviews and how-tos from Cult of Mac, every Saturday morning. Our readers say: "Thank you guys for always posting cool stuff" -- Vaughn Nevins. "Very informative" -- Kenly Xavier.

Reply

or to participate.