Apple Maps 'Visited Places' Feature Helps You Stay Organized—But Are You Comfortable with Tracking?

Understanding the New Tracking Feature in Apple Maps

With iOS 26, Apple Maps introduced a new feature named "Visited Places" that automatically tracks and stores the locations you've visited. While this may raise eyebrows among privacy-conscious users, Apple reassures its users that the data is encrypted and only accessible to them.

What You Should Know About 'Visited Places'

The "Visited Places" feature allows users to recall their past destinations, enabling convenient visits to favorite spots without needing to manually log them. While designed as a positive feature, it represents a significant shift from Apple's strong privacy reputation. Each user's data is stored across their devices and cannot be accessed by Apple, putting control firmly in the users’ hands.

How Digital Nomads Can Benefit

For digital nomads, constantly on the move, this feature can serve as an efficient way to remember places enjoyed during travels. Whether it’s a great café from last week’s meeting or a serene park found during an exploration day, tracking favorites could enhance productivity while traversing through new cities. Additionally, having this accessible record at your fingertips may also aid in future trips as it helps to highlight popular spots and hidden gems.

Turning it Off: A Simple Process

Your control over this feature is straightforward. Apple aims to ensure that users are aware and have the option to disable it at any time. To turn off "Visited Places," navigate to Settings > Apps > Maps > Location and toggle off the feature. It’s key to check this setting during initial updates since users reported that it was enabled by default for some accounts.

Want to Manage Your Location Tracking? Here’s How

If you wish to retain the feature but want to manage what’s stored, deleting specific locations is easy. Open Maps, tap Places, select Visited Places, and swipe left on any location you’d like to erase. For complete control, you can also clear the entire history at once.

Addressing Privacy Concerns: A Balanced View

While some fear that tracking could lead to potential invasions of privacy, Apple’s end-to-end encryption means that your location data is secure from unauthorized access. However, it’s always essential for users to stay informed about the implications of such features and to proactively manage their digital footprints.

Future Insights and Implications for Tech Users

As technology swiftly evolves, features like Apple’s "Visited Places" may become standard in apps across platforms. Digital nomads, who thrive on staying organized and keeping tabs on their travels, should be aware of how such tools can optimize their experiences. Understanding each feature’s implications can maximize productivity while safeguarding personal privacy.