How to Add and Manage Your Business on Apple Maps

Apple Maps is the default mapping and navigation app on every iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and it handles billions of requests every year. Despite this reach, a significant proportion of UK businesses have never claimed or verified their Apple Maps listing — leaving their information incomplete, inaccurate, or missing entirely.

With Siri voice search increasingly directing Apple device users to local businesses through Apple Maps, and with iOS users representing a premium, high-spending demographic, getting your listing right on this platform is worth the modest time investment it requires.

How Apple Maps Differs From Google Maps for Businesses

Google Maps allows businesses to manage their presence through Google Business Profile. Apple Maps uses a separate system called Apple Business Connect, which replaced the older Maps Connect portal in 2023. Apple Business Connect is free and gives businesses control over their name, address, phone number, website, categories, photos, and a feature called Showcases — temporary branded updates similar to Google Posts.

One key difference is how the platforms source their data. Google primarily uses its own crawling and user contributions. Apple Maps supplements its own data with third-party sources including Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Foursquare. If your business has strong reviews on those platforms, some of that information may already be flowing into Apple Maps automatically.

Setting Up Apple Business Connect

Go to businessconnect.apple.com and sign in with an Apple ID. You can use a personal Apple ID, but it’s better practice to use one associated with your business. Search for your business by name and location. If a listing already exists — which is likely for established businesses — claim it. If not, create a new one.

Verification is required before you can edit your listing publicly. Apple typically verifies by phone call or SMS to your listed business number, though some businesses may be asked for documentation. Once verified, fill in every available field: accurate hours including holiday variations, your most relevant category, high-quality photos, and a link to your website.

Making the Most of Apple’s Features

Apple Business Connect’s Showcases feature lets you post temporary promotions, seasonal offers, and announcements that appear on your listing in Apple Maps. These are particularly useful around key trading periods. Unlike Google Posts, Showcases display as a branded card with a call-to-action button that can link to a specific page on your website.

Apple Maps also integrates with Siri, so optimising your listing helps customers find you through voice search. Ensure your business name is natural and unambiguous — voice search performs better with clean, simple names than with keyword-stuffed variations. Keep your listing updated, especially your opening hours, to avoid the frustration of customers arriving when you’re closed.