Apple Maps Gains Natural Language Search Capabilities in iOS 26 Beta

Apple has begun rolling out beta versions of iOS 26, specifically builds 5 and 2 for public testers, introducing performance enhancements and new functionalities ahead of the anticipated September release. A notable addition to Apple’s mapping application is the integration of natural language search capabilities, allowing users to locate destinations using conversational queries.

Initial indications of this feature surfaced in July through code analysis within iOS 26 beta 3, hinting at a “Search the Way You Talk” functionality. This allows for requests such as “Best coffee shops with free Wi-Fi.” Subsequent reporting from 9to5Mac confirmed Apple’s incorporation of this support into the latest beta releases. The precise method—whether it’s a client-side implementation or a server-driven enhancement to the Apple Maps experience—remains unclear, though its absence in prior iOS 26 beta iterations highlights its recent inclusion.

Users encountering the new feature are presented with an on-screen prompt announcing “Search the Way You Talk,” accompanied by examples like “Find cafes with free Wi-Fi.” While testing has been conducted across both iPhone and iPad devices running the latest beta software, functionality is currently unavailable for users in Europe.

This move aligns with broader trends in technology where conversational interaction is increasingly prevalent, as seen in AI chatbots such as ChatGPT and Gemini. Apple’s own Photos application already leverages similar natural language search capabilities since its introduction in iOS 18, allowing users to locate images and videos through descriptive queries. Google Maps also provides this functionality through integration with Gemini, initially launched in February 2024, further expanding its features with generative AI for place discovery by October.

Although Apple did not formally showcase the natural language search feature during the June WWDC 2025 keynote—where Apple Intelligence was a central focus—the company did highlight upcoming enhancements to Apple Maps powered by artificial intelligence. These include “preferred routes,” which enable the application to learn and suggest frequently used paths, along with commute time notifications through widgets and alerts for potential delays. A “Visited Places” feature will automatically log locations of interest for easier recollection. The addition of natural language search provides a powerful tool for identifying previously visited locales even when exact names are forgotten.