Apple Maps Tracks Your Visits in iOS 26—Here’s How to Stop It

Apple’s latest update, iOS 26, introduces a new Apple Maps feature that automatically remembers the places you visit—raising fresh concerns about location privacy. The tool is designed to enhance user experience by offering smarter navigation suggestions, improved route planning, and personalized recommendations.

However, some users may find the constant tracking intrusive. Apple Maps now logs frequently visited spots, such as your home, workplace, and favorite restaurants, to predict travel patterns and provide quicker access to directions. While the data stays on your device, privacy-conscious users can easily disable the feature.

To turn it off, go to Settings > Privacy & Security > Location Services > System Services > Significant Locations and toggle it off. This will stop Apple Maps from storing your location history.

The update reflects Apple’s ongoing effort to balance personalization with privacy, but users should stay aware of how their data is being collected and used—especially with new iOS 26 features designed to learn from their daily routines.