iOS 18 Weather Map Layers: Wind and Air Quality

Apple’s Weather app in iOS 18 includes interactive, full-screen map overlays designed to track atmospheric conditions in real time. This guide identifies the specific map layers used to monitor wind speed and air quality indices, explains how to access them, and breaks down the data each layer provides.

The Wind Map Layer

To view wind speed and direction in iOS 18, use the dedicated Wind layer.

  • Visual Presentation: The Wind layer uses dynamic, animated particle streams to depict wind direction. Wind speed is indicated by both the velocity of the moving lines and a color-coded gradient overlay, where cooler tones represent calm conditions and brighter, warmer tones indicate higher wind speeds.
  • Forecast Timeline: A 12-hour animated slider at the bottom of the screen allows you to scrub forward to see projected wind patterns, gusts, and speed shifts throughout the day.

The Air Quality Map Layer

To monitor pollution and particulate levels, switch to the Air Quality layer.

  • Visual Presentation: This layer applies a regional color-coded heatmap over the standard map interface. The colors correspond directly to the localized Air Quality Index (AQI) scale, ranging from green (Good) to purple/maroon (Hazardous).
  • Numerical Data: Tapping any specific location on the map pins that spot and reveals the exact numerical AQI score, the primary pollutant (such as PM2.5 or ozone), and the associated health recommendation category.

How to Access and Switch Layers in iOS 18

  1. Open the Weather app on your iPhone.
  2. Tap the Map icon (the folded map graphic) located in the bottom-left corner of the screen.
  3. Tap the Layer icon (represented by stacked squares) in the upper-right corner.
  4. Select either Wind or Air Quality from the menu to load the corresponding visual overlay.

You can zoom in or out using standard pinch gestures to view hyper-local neighborhood readings or broad continental patterns.