How to Create a Multi-Stop Itinerary in Apple Maps on Your iPhone?

Apple unveiled its new features globally at the recently concluded WWDC 2022. Almost a 2-hour-long event gave us significant details about the iOS 16, Apple Maps, M2 chip, and newly-developed MacBook Air.

Upgrading to iOS 16, you will be able to customize the lock screen, apply colors to time’s font, and put on new widgets as well. But, the biggest taking point was revamped Apple Maps which is now marginally ahead of its counterpart, Google Maps. 

iPhone users would love to navigate routes using Apple Maps, but only up to a limited number of additional stops. Unfortunately, none of the two popular mapping platforms allows you to add the desired number of extra stops. 

Here, we have covered how to create a multi-stop Apple Maps itinerary along with its comparison to Google Maps which would be worth a read. 

It will help you learn everything about Apple Maps updates, regardless of whether you have watched the live stream of the Apple event or not.

Understanding the Apple Maps Multi-Stop Feature

Apple Maps has come a long way since its early days. One of its most useful features is the ability to plan routes with multiple stops. This means you can map out your entire day’s journey in one go. No more hopping between different destinations or retyping addresses. It’s all there in one place, making your travels smoother and more organized.

New with iOS 16: Adding up to 15 Stops

With iOS 16, Apple Maps got even better. You can now add up to 15 stops to your route. This is a big jump from the previous limit. Think about it – you can plan a whole road trip or a busy day of errands with ease.

Here’s how it works:

1. Open Apple Maps
2. Enter your first destination
3. Tap “Add Stop” to include more locations
4. Keep adding stops until you’ve mapped out your entire journey

You can add stops like coffee shops, gas stations, or any place you need to visit. The best part? You can easily rearrange these stops by dragging them up or down in your list. This lets you optimize your route on the fly.

Remember, you don’t have to use all 15 stops. Use as many or as few as you need. The goal is to make your trip planning easier and more efficient. Whether you’re running errands around town or planning a cross-country adventure, this feature has got you covered.

Step-by-Step Guide to Creating a Multi-Stop Route

Apple Maps lets you generate a custom route plan but allows a fixed number of additional stops. It initially sets your current location as the starting point that you can change at any point later. In addition, you would have a personalized guide to let you know about unknown places.

Planning a custom road trip with multiple destinations could be a complex process for first-time users but might be easy for frequent users. Let us show you how it can be done on iPhone, iPad, or macOS.

1. Open Apple Maps on your iPhone device.

2. Find the “Directions” button (tap direction) from the location icon.

3. Skip the suggested locations and go to “My Location”.

4. Click on the “Reverse” icon placed on the right side.

5. Mention a new address in the empty bar.

6. Similarly, you can include extra stops (tap add stops).

7. Start exploring the “route map” by tapping on “Go”.

Comparing Apple Maps vs. Google Maps for Multi-Stop Routing

Since Apple Maps overtook Google Maps in terms of feature, design, and accessibility, here is how things have changed in 2024.

1. Map design and visualization

Maps designs represent the concept behind the development of the mapping platform. Whether it is Google or Apple Maps app, they showcase their app’s priorities to its users. As a result, users won’t find it too difficult to access a route plan.

2. Information & accuracy

Information shown by Apple Maps is less than what appears on GMaps. But, as far as accuracy is concerned both are on the same page. Despite having less information than Google, Apple Maps is slightly more convenient for new users.

3. Accessing driving directions

Getting turn-by-turn directions is easier on both navigation apps. You can get the directions to reach the final destination along with added stops. Also, you will get ETA if you have enabled the sharing option.

4. Maximum number of stops

If you’re using an Apple Maps or Google-powered mapping platform, you are likely to search for more convenient options. The reason is both of these apps offer limited extra stops which may restrict you from planning and optimizing multiple stops.

Integrating Apple Maps with Route Optimization Tools

In case you are finding it incompatible with Apple Maps or Google-powered Maps for adding extra stops, we recommend you use route optimizer software like Upper. Using Upper, you can take advantage of advanced route planning software to create multiple stops and get extra benefits of advanced route planning features. It takes minimal time to set up the route plan and even less than that to share it with others.

Upper not only assists you to plan a multi-stop custom map but also helps you optimize routes quickly. In fact, it always gets you optimized routes no matter how many additional stops you have included. Additionally, it gives you an option to directly import CSV files instead of adding stops manually.

In a Nutshell

iPhone users will be soon experiencing new features on iOS 16-powered devices. The good thing is now you won’t be confused about using Apple Maps. The default iPhone app will be available on your Apple devices where you can easily make a custom route plan. 

We hope you understood everything about the new updates on Apple Maps. If you are still finding it difficult to plan multi-stop routes, we suggest you get a specialized route app. The new Apple Maps would recommend locations like parks, coffee shops, restaurants, gas station, or any other pit stop.