Apple Maps’ Next Upgrade Could Save Your iPhone from Overheating

Apple Maps has been slowly but steadily catching up to Google Maps over the years. Now, with iOS 26, Apple appears ready to take a major leap forward. Hidden within the iOS 26 beta code are two new features that could significantly improve how you use Apple Maps, especially during long drives.

Search the Way You Talk

One of the most exciting upgrades coming to Apple Maps is the introduction of natural language search. In simple terms, this feature allows you to search in a way that feels more like having a conversation. Instead of typing something generic like “coffee shop,” you’ll be able to search with phrases like “best coffee shops with free Wi-Fi” and get relevant, accurate results.

This enhancement is powered by Apple Intelligence, Apple’s new AI framework that has been gradually making its way into core apps such as App Store, Photos, and Music. With iOS 26, it’s now coming to Maps.

Developer Steve Moser discovered strings of code within the iOS 26 beta that confirm this feature. According to the code:

Search the Way You Talk
Use natural language to find places like “Best coffee shops with free wi-fi.”

During early testing, the feature even performed well in smaller towns, areas where Apple Maps previously struggled to deliver meaningful results. So, if you live outside major metropolitan areas, this update could genuinely improve your local search experience.

Overheating Warnings to Protect Your iPhone

Another subtle but highly practical feature spotted in the iOS 26 beta is a new thermal management system integrated with Apple Maps. As it stands, using Apple Maps for navigation keeps your iPhone’s screen active the entire time. While this is helpful for viewing directions, it also leads to one major issue: overheating, especially when the device is mounted on a car dashboard under direct sunlight.

To solve this, iOS 26 introduces a smart feature where Maps will automatically turn off the screen if your iPhone gets too hot. You’ll still receive voice directions, so navigation won’t be interrupted, but the screen will go dark to allow the device to cool down.

This protects your iPhone from potential performance throttling or hardware damage, and it helps maintain battery efficiency on longer routes. According to Steve Moser, iOS 26 also includes user-facing alerts that inform you when and why the screen is turning off, so you’re not left confused in the middle of your trip.

When Will These Features Be Available?

Both of these features were uncovered in the iOS 26 developer beta, but they are not yet live for general users. Interestingly, some reports suggest that the thermal protection feature may already be running quietly on devices with iOS 18, though Apple has not officially confirmed this.

The natural language search upgrade appears to be exclusive to iOS 26 and is likely part of Apple’s broader integration of Apple Intelligence across its ecosystem.

For a complete overview, check out all Apple Maps updates in iOS 26.

Apple is expected to launch the public beta of iOS 26 later this summer, with a full release set to arrive in September, likely alongside the next-generation iPhone lineup.

Don’t miss these related reads:

• Apple Maps vs. Google Maps: Which is ideal for your iPhone?
• How to Use Apple Maps on Android and Windows PC
• How to Use the Search Here Feature in Apple Maps