As the countdown for WWDC 2024 officially begins, rumors on what we can expect from iOS 18 are starting to heat up, with the latest reports focusing on Apple Maps. Recently discovered code by MacRumors hints at the development of two key features: custom routes and topographic maps.

Currently, Apple Maps offers predetermined routes based on factors like estimated travel time and traffic conditions. However, iOS 18 might introduce a user-centric feature called “custom routes.” This would allow users to plot their own course, specifying the exact roads they want to travel on.

This functionality would be valuable for drivers to bypass tolls or congested areas, or simply favoring familiar routes. The inclusion of custom routes would bring Apple Maps closer to competitors like Google Maps, which already offers similar functionality. While the unearthed code suggests a potential U.S. only launch initially, a wider rollout to other regions could follow in the future.

Another feature potentially coming to Apple Maps in iOS 18 is Topographic maps, first introduced with watchOS 10 last year. Topographic mode offers detailed terrain information, including elevation contours, trails, and points of interest. This level of detail is crucial for accurate navigation in challenging outdoor environments and activities, such as hiking.

WWDC 2024 is officially scheduled for June 10th to June 14th. The opening keynote is expected to unveil iOS 18 alongside other software updates like iPadOS 18, watchOS 11, macOS 15, and visionOS 2 on Monday, June 10th, with developer keynotes, events, and sessions scheduled for the week.