Apple Maps offers a variety of navigation voices to personalize your driving or walking experience. Changing the voice is simple, but the exact steps depend slightly on your iOS version. This guide will walk you through how to change your Maps voice on your iPhone, covering different iOS versions and addressing common questions.
Which Voices Are Available on Apple Maps?
Apple Maps provides several different voices, each with its own unique tone and style. While the exact options may vary slightly depending on your iOS version and region, you'll generally find a selection of male and female voices, often with different accents. Unfortunately, Apple doesn't publicly list every available voice, as the selection can change with iOS updates. The best way to see your available options is to explore the settings menu as detailed below.
How to Change Your Navigation Voice on iPhone (iOS 16 and later)
For users with iOS 16 and later, the process is straightforward:
- Open the Settings app: Locate the grey icon with gears on your home screen.
- Tap on Maps: This will open the Maps settings menu.
- Scroll down and tap on Navigation & Guidance: This section houses various navigation preferences.
- Tap on Voice: You'll see a list of available voices.
- Select your preferred voice: Choose from the available options. You can preview each voice by tapping on it.
- Close the Settings app: Your chosen voice will be in effect for your next navigation session.
How to Change Your Navigation Voice on iPhone (iOS 15 and earlier)
The process for iOS 15 and earlier versions is very similar but slightly different in the menu structure:
- Open the Settings app: Again, find the gear icon on your home screen.
- Tap on Maps: Access the Maps settings.
- Tap on Navigation: This option might be labeled slightly differently depending on your iOS version.
- Tap on Voice: This will display your available voice options.
- Select your desired voice: Choose your preferred voice from the list.
- Exit the Settings app: Your selection will take effect immediately.
What if I Don't See My Preferred Voice?
The available voices can vary based on your iOS version, your region, and even your device. If you don't see a voice you like, make sure your iPhone's software is up-to-date. Updating to the latest iOS version can sometimes unlock new voices.
Can I Download More Voices?
Unlike some navigation apps, Apple Maps doesn't offer additional voice downloads. The voices available are determined by your device and software version.
How Do I Adjust the Speaking Rate of the Navigation Voice?
Currently, Apple Maps doesn't provide an option to adjust the speaking speed of the navigation voice. The speed is fixed for each voice option.
Does Changing the Voice Affect Other Map Features?
Changing the voice only affects the spoken navigation instructions. It doesn't alter any other aspects of the Apple Maps app, such as the map display, route calculation, or other settings.
By following these steps, you can easily personalize your Apple Maps experience by choosing the voice that best suits your preferences. Remember to check for iOS updates regularly, as new voices might be added.
