Your iPhone has a secret rain map — how to access it

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Apple Weather has a secret map with a time-lapse of when and where it will rain

iPhone Apple Maps App
(Image credit: Snappa)

Apple's Weather app on iPhone models offers a constantly updated forecast of weather, air pollution, humidity and more, but it also hides a weather map in plain sight that comes with a nifty time-lapse feature.

While the Apple Weather app can be useful as a widget on your iPhone's home screen when planning a trip outdoors, it isn't the most popular iOS app for weather, according to web analytics service Similarweb. However, iPhone users looking for more details about temperatures, precipitation, or air quality can check out the Weather app's map.

How to access the secret map in Apple Weather

As pointed out by BGR, the map option lets users know when and where it will rain in their area or anywhere in the world. With the time-lapse feature, the app will show off weather patterns throughout the day, all so you can find out if you need an umbrella when heading outside. 

(Image credit: Future)
  • On your iPhone, open the Apple Weather app. 
  • On the main screen, tap on the bottom-left icon. 

(Image credit: Future)
  • You'll see a map showcasing the temperature of your area and the rest of the world.  
  • For the Precipitation option, tap on the Stack icon on the right side of the screen.
  • The app will automatically show a 12-hour time-lapse of precipitation through the day. This can be paused using the option at the bottom of the screen. 

There you have it. It's a small but helpful feature if you're looking to take a trip outdoors. There is a color bar indicating the level of rain expected to fall during these times, too.

As Apple continues to update iOS, we're sure there will be more sneaky features added that may not be known to many iPhone users. In the meantime, check out our latest iOS 15 tips to make the most out of your iPhone. 

Darragh Murphy
Darragh Murphy
Editor

Darragh Murphy is fascinated by all things bizarre, which usually leads to assorted coverage varying from washing machines designed for AirPods to the mischievous world of cyberattacks. Whether it's connecting Scar from The Lion King to two-factor authentication or turning his love for gadgets into a fabricated rap battle from 8 Mile, he believes there’s always a quirky spin to be made. With a Master’s degree in Magazine Journalism from The University of Sheffield, along with short stints at Kerrang! and Exposed Magazine, Darragh started his career writing about the tech industry at Time Out Dubai and ShortList Dubai, covering everything from the latest iPhone models and Huawei laptops to massive Esports events in the Middle East. Now, he can be found proudly diving into gaming, gadgets, and letting readers know the joys of docking stations for Laptop Mag.