Explore freely
Walk through a city, neighbourhood, or new destination. Hike Buddy watches for worthwhile discoveries without filling every quiet moment.
For curious walkers and GPX hikers
Step outside.
Notice more.
Hike Buddy is an AI companion that discovers the places around you, researches what makes them interesting, and chooses a natural moment to speak. When curiosity strikes first, you can ask the guide directly.
- Free to use
- No Hike Buddy account
- Local-first by design
Follow a GPX
Import a route, preview its elevation and nearby places, then keep the map, progress, and guide together throughout the walk.
A guide that can think ahead
Not a list of pins.
A companion in motion.
Hike Buddy combines live context, place discovery, research, and a small intervention plan. It can speak now, wait until you are closer, look something up, or stay quiet.
Discover beyond the obvious
Apple Maps and multilingual Wikipedia help surface buildings, squares, landmarks, districts, and details along your path.
Research before narrating
A map label can become a lead, but never proof. The guide can gather factual material before telling a richer story.
Choose the moment
Distance, movement, available research, and audio state help the guide decide whether an idea belongs now or a little later. You can also ask about a place whenever you want to hear more.
Eyes up, phone away
Stories that travel with you.
The live session keeps the essentials close: your map, progress, route status, and the latest guide moment. Ask about a selected place or what surrounds you, even when the automatic guide is waiting for a better moment.
- Ask the guide about a place whenever curiosity strikes
- Open nearby places from the Live Activity on your Lock Screen
- Pause or resume the guide with one tap
- Replay the last guide moment
Made for the walk
Map first. Everything else in reach.
AI on your terms
Local-first, with a provider you choose.
Core sessions and preferences stay on your device. Use compatible Apple Intelligence models when available, or connect your own provider key for today’s richest guide experience.
- Your provider and enhanced voice are configured separately
- API keys use secure iOS storage
- Anonymous product analytics are optional and exclude routes, coordinates, prompts, narration, and keys
Good to know
Frequently asked questions
Does Hike Buddy require a subscription?
No. Version 1.5 is free. Optional AI and enhanced voice providers may charge you directly for their own usage.
Can I use it without an external AI provider?
Yes. Local exploration remains available, and compatible Apple Intelligence models can be used where supported. A bring-your-own-key provider currently offers the richest guide experience.
What if the guide has not mentioned a place?
Tap Tell me about this place during a session, choose a nearby place or ask about your surroundings. Hike Buddy responds with verified information already available and can research more when your provider and settings allow it.
Does it replace a safety or navigation app?
No. Hike Buddy is a discovery companion. Always use appropriate maps, equipment, judgement, and official safety information.
What happens to my GPX and walking history?
They remain local to your device unless you explicitly choose an operation that sends limited context to a provider you configured.
Your next walk has a story