New Step Preview Markers in iOS 15 Maps

With the release of iOS 15, Apple introduced a significantly overhauled navigation experience in Apple Maps that added detailed visual markers to route step previews. These enhancements replace generic line graphics with rich, real-world road details, helping drivers and pedestrians visualize upcoming maneuvers, complex interchanges, and intersections before encountering them in transit.

Dedicated Turn Lanes and Lane Markings

In route step previews, Maps clearly renders individual lanes, including painted turn arrows, lane dividers, and continuous median strips. Instead of a single directional arrow on a generic road path, previews show the exact lane layout, highlighting the specific lane required for an upcoming maneuver while dimming irrelevant lanes.

Pedestrian Crosswalks

Step previews include clearly marked crosswalks with painted zebra stripes at intersections. This visual cue provides drivers with better situational awareness regarding potential pedestrian traffic and offers walkers precise waypoints when following walking directions.

Bike Lanes and Transit Corridors

Visual markers now delineate designated bike lanes and specialized vehicle corridors, such as bus and taxi lanes. These paths are drawn with distinct color accents and boundary lines, distinguishing them from standard vehicle traffic lanes during maneuver previews.

3D Road Elevation and Overpasses

To eliminate confusion at multi-level highways and stacked interchanges, step previews display three-dimensional elevation markers. Flyovers, bridges, and underpasses appear with overlapping road geometry, showing whether a designated route travels above or below crossing roads.

Traffic Lights and Stop Signs

Maps displays discrete icons for traffic lights and stop signs along previewed routes. These indicators are positioned directly at the relevant intersections within each step preview, providing advance notice of controlled stops before an exit or turn.

Real-Time Incident and Hazard Markers

Pre-trip step previews also integrate dynamic visual alerts, including icons for road closures, construction zones, accidents, and speed cameras. These visual markers are mapped to the exact road segment where the delay or hazard occurs.