Can you imagine your life without navigation via your mobile device? Nowadays electronic maps are one of the useful things on our devices not only because it helps to plan the optimal route but because of additional services and data. After Apple company updated its maps in January 2020 and then introduced new iOS 14 with revolutionary features undoubtedly that it will increase interest and use of their products. Let’s see how businesses can benefit from Apple Maps usage.
In 2012 Apple introduced Apple maps and the first version was loaded with bugs and other problems that pushed the company to fix and improve what was failed. The app has changed since then and now offers a whole range of useful features and options that can help you navigate your customers to your office or store whether they are driving, walking, or taking public transportation. As of 2015, Apple Maps became the most used navigation app on iOS. This year Apple added several really useful and awesome features that provide a variety of opportunities for users and businesses.
First of all, we should say that from the beginning of the year all users in the United States can experience a revised Maps with faster and more accurate navigation and holistic views of roads, buildings, parks, airports, malls and more, making it easier and pleasant to map out any journey. Apple finished with the new Maps experience in the United States and started to work under them across Europe.
According to statistics, three out of four IOS users use Apple Maps, and Apple declared in 2019 that there are around 900 million active iPhones and 500 million other devices including Macs, iPads, Apple Watches, etc. Apple Maps has approximately 14% market share of mapping services in the world. Apple Maps is especially important for map search in markets where Apple has a significant share of the device market, the US, UK, or in Northern Europe.
Maps are very useful for millions of people in many countries they help to navigate and explore the world. Also, we shouldn’t forget about privacy that is vital to the Maps experience. Due to on-device intelligence, there is the ability to offer personalized features. Maps are deeply integrated into the most popular apps customers use every day, including Photos, Calendar, Weather, and more. With MapKit and MapKit JS, Maps become the ground for multiple popular third-party apps and services like Instagram, Bank of America and it can be the part of yours.
The sense of presence
The new feature “Look Around” is required further work and data but it is worth noting all locations have the latest mapping data from Apple. Now you can be navigated even indoor mall that’s been mapped by Apple, a new interface will show up an offering for you to browse the location. This new interaction shows up for a variety of local areas but this option is not available to all indoor businesses. Such an option provides businesses a great opportunity to improve their customer’s experience and bring customers exactly to their store or office door via the web or mobile app.
Apple Maps presents its data in a clean, easy to read format, which is designed to show only what is needed on the screen for what the user is doing at that moment.
Apple Maps is used on IOS devices for turn-to-turn navigation so you will receive guidance on how to get step-by-step. The user can type the name of the business they want to visit, Apple Maps will check the data available for that location and direct the customer to the address. Unlike many others, Apple does not use any third-party data, they use their own. Therefore, you get maps that work as correctly as possible with your iOS device.
Local search
Not only implementing but adding your business to Apple Maps can provide you comparative advantages. We’re talking about another feature in Apple Maps that allows customers to search by the keyword on Maps and get information about businesses in their neighborhood. For example, if you are a barber or hairstylist and customer types “Hair salon” in Apple Maps and your business is set up correctly, your business will show up on the map with information such as addresses, opening hours and phone number. Hence, if your business relies on physical locations, your information on Apple Maps must be optimized for local search. Note that data used for local search originates from Apple, not from Google. So be set up correctly on Google My Business is not enough if you want to be displayed correctly on Apple Maps!
Data Sources and Reporting Issues
Apple Maps is an excellent tool for navigation and presenting user data, but it includes other useful information as well. Apple has long cooperated with Yelp, Wikipedia, local business data, and road and safety data. All this enhances user experience and increases the frequency of use. If we take a location then most of the business information, photos, and reviews all come from Yelp. Also, you can check if a location accepts Apple Pay, takes reservations via Open Table, or has a connection to iMessage Business Chat from the top menu. Scroll to the bottom and you’ll see options to add a location to a contact, which will personalize the data for Siri and other system uses, or notify Apple of incorrect data. Such a complex approach brings consumers and businesses closer together.
When reporting an issue, a new UI pops up with all of the data fields already in use by a location. From here you can change where the map pins the location, change the name and address, update business hours, indicate a closure, add photos to support your claim, and a way to describe more detail at the bottom. This sends an email directly to the Maps team and is addressed at some time after sending it.
Reviewing updates
You already have the opportunity to check new updates of iOS 14 and ensure that Apple Maps became more detailed and such options like Guides, Electric vehicle routing, Cycling directions are available. What are the features of? Electric vehicle routing option sizes up the distance and helps to build the rout in such a way that you will be able to charge your car battery at the proper time and the right station. Because Maps knows which type of charger is required for your car, guiding you to compatible stations. If you have an electric vehicle fleet and need to build the best route without risk a battery run out your business definitely should use Apple Maps. We know how important to make a delivery on time.
Cycling directions allow users to get to their destination using bike lanes, paths, and roads and avoiding busy streets, stairs, and steep passages when planning your trip. Delivery services can benefit via such option by planning optimal routes for its courier and get more satisfied customers that get their order in time.
Apple team has worked with trusted brands and partners to build Guides for great places around the world for eating, shopping, and exploring. Saving Guides users will always be up-to-date on the latest recommendations. Your business also may be in Guides all you need to do is become a trusted partner.
FAQ
To conclude
As you can see, Apple Maps is dense with features and data that can help a user across many needs, and even in other apps on their device. Apple takes a strong stance on privacy and provides all of this data and tools without compromising the user. It is a built-in app that most will default to out of convenience, but its latest updates show quite the strong platform that should not leave users wanting.
