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How to explore maps with immersive views on iPhone

While exploring any location on a map, you can rotate the map to see an area with extra dimensions. In some locations, you can zoom in to see a detailed, 3D satellite view.

Maps uses aerial imagery to render cities in true-to-life detail. To see sharp details, such as architectural fixtures or the shapes of individual trees, zoom into a 3D satellite map. Or with Look Around, move through a 360-degree panoramic view.

Here’s how to explore maps with immersive views on iPhone.

Note: Not all features are available in all countries or regions.

Explore a city in 3D detail

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
  2. In most cities, tap the Exploring Map Mode button and tap Satellite. Tap the Close button.
  3. Pinch open to zoom in. Then swipe up with two fingers to see the map in 3D.

A 3D map in the Maps app, showing details of a city.

Look around locations

Some locations have 360-degree panoramic views you can look around.

A moveable, 360-degree panoramic view appears above a map of the area marked in the Maps app. The Look Around icon overlaid on the map points in the direction of the view.

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
  2. In select cities, tap the Look Around button near the bottom of a map.
  3. To change the view, do any of the following:
    • Pan: Drag a finger left or right on the scene.
    • Move forward: Tap the scene.
    • Zoom in or out: Pinch open or closed.
    • View another point of interest: Switch from full-screen view and then tap elsewhere on the map, or drag the map.
    • Switch to or from full-screen view: Tap the Enter Full Screen Mode button or the Exit Full Screen Mode button.
    • Remove labels in full-screen view: Swipe up from the place name near the bottom of the screen and tap Hide Labels.
  4. When finished, tap Done.

Move, zoom, or rotate a map or globe

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
  2. Do any of the following:

    • Move around in a map: Drag the map.
    • Zoom in or out: Double-tap. Then drag up to zoom in or drag down to zoom out.

      Or pinch open or closed on the map.

    • Rotate the map: Touch and hold the map with two fingers and then rotate your fingers.

      To show north after you rotate the map, tap the Compass button.

View a 3D map

  1. Open the Maps app on your iPhone.
  2. To turn a 2D map into a 3D map, do one of the following:

    • Drag two fingers up.
    • Tap 3D.
  3. While looking at a 3D map, you can do any of the following:

    • Adjust the angle: Drag two fingers up or down.
    • See buildings and other spatial details: Zoom in.
    • View the Earth: Zoom out until the map changes to a globe.

      Drag the globe to rotate it, or zoom in or out.

    • Return to a flat map: Tap 2D.
Tag: Maps