Apple Maps may soon offer more accurate arrival estimates by considering how long drivers walk after parking their cars. The potential update could help users better plan their journeys and avoid arriving later than expected.
According to information shared by PDFU on X, Apple is internally testing a feature called TimeToPark in iOS 27.3.
However, the feature remains under development, and Apple has not announced a public release date.
Apple Maps Could Improve Travel Time Estimates
Currently, navigation apps often focus on driving time rather than the complete journey to a destination.
For example, drivers may reach a parking area several minutes before arriving at their workplace or another destination.
Apple’s proposed feature could address this gap by calculating the additional walking time.
As a result, users could receive arrival estimates that better reflect their actual travel routines.
The system may also consider how long someone takes to return to their parked vehicle.
How Apple’s TimeToPark Feature Works
Apple reportedly uses its CoreRoutine system to study regular travel patterns through iPhone location and motion data.
The system identifies how users typically move between parking spaces and their destinations.
Additionally, it organizes this information according to the day of the week and time of day.
Over time, these records could help the system recognize changes in walking habits.
For instance, someone might take a longer route home after work to visit nearby shops.
Consequently, Apple Maps could eventually adjust its estimates based on these familiar routines.
The technology may also help predict parking locations and calculate walking or public transport connections.
Feature Remains in Early Testing
Despite its potential benefits, TimeToPark does not currently influence Apple Maps navigation estimates.
Instead, the reported testing focuses on collecting and organizing movement data.
Furthermore, the feature remains unavailable to ordinary users and third-party developers.
According to PDFU, only Apple’s internal software installations can currently enable it.
Therefore, its appearance in iOS 27.3 testing does not guarantee a public launch with that update.
What This Means for Apple Maps Users
If Apple introduces TimeToPark, drivers could receive a more complete picture of their journeys.
The feature may prove especially useful for commuters who regularly park away from their final destinations.
However, its reliance on background location information may also raise privacy questions.
Ultimately, Apple has yet to confirm the feature’s availability, privacy controls, or official release schedule.
