As noted by several readers, the new version of Google Maps includes an easter egg —similar to the one discovered in the Android version—that allows you to view maps offline. It’s hidden, but once you know how to find it, it’s very easy to use.
Here’s how to save maps for offline use: All you have to do is navigate to, or zoom into, the area that you want to cache for offline use and type ‘ok maps’ into the search box. This will save data at all zoom levels (down to the street) unless you are too far out, which it will warn you of.
The implementation of this feature isn’t ideal, but it would certainly work in a pinch. For instance, if you were flying into a new city, you could cache the area just before boarding the plane so you could familiarize yourself with it while in the air.