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WWDC25: What’s new in Maps & Location
Apple Maps isn’t just catching up anymore, it’s setting the pace. The latest updates are packed with behind-the-scenes improvements that will change how apps help you explore, plan, and get around. Whether you’re a city explorer, casual biker, or just someone who likes knowing where they’re going, these changes are for you.
If developers add these features to your favorite apps, things will get a lot smoother.
🧭 Smarter Searches for Places You Actually Mean
What’s New
- 📍 Smarter Place Search (PlaceDescriptor): Apps will be able to find the exact café, fountain, or museum you’re thinking of, even if all you have is a name, rough address, or a pin on the map.
- 🔓 No Special Codes Needed: Places will show up even if the app doesn’t have an internal database or pre-saved ID.
Why It Matters
Search results will get sharper. Whether you’re using a food delivery app, a trip planner, or your local biking guide, you’ll get exactly what you were looking for, not the wrong “Main Street Deli” three cities over.
🏙️ Address Info That Finally Makes Sense
What’s New
- ✂️ Enhanced Address Displays: Apps will now show cleaner, context-aware addresses. If you’re in the U.S., you won’t see “United States” in every result.
- 🧠 Upgraded Geocoding: Location data will get smarter about what it shows, offering formats that match what you need, full address, city, or just a country name.
- 🗂️ Improved Place Cards: You’ll see fresh info like open hours, websites, and photos with less delay, even in third-party apps.
Why It Matters
Whether you’re ordering food or checking a location from a blog, the info will be clear and relevant. No more scrolling past redundant country names or confusing layouts just to find out what time a shop closes.
🚴 Bike-Friendly Navigation Built Right In
What’s New
- 🛣️ Cycling Directions Support: Apps will be able to show bike routes using bike lanes, parks, or paths with less traffic.
- 📏 Elevation and Safety Awareness: Apple Maps will factor in hills, road types, and areas to avoid if you’re on two wheels.
- ⌚ Apple Watch Integration: Cycling directions will appear on your wrist while riding.
Why It Matters
This is huge for commuters and casual riders. Instead of relying on random apps or rough guesses, you’ll get trustworthy, safe, and scenic bike routes from the apps you already use.
🗺️ Explore Before You Go With Look Around
What’s New
- 🌆 Look Around in Apps and Websites: Developers can now embed Apple’s 360° street view directly into their sites or apps.
- 👆 Tap-to-Preview Views: You’ll get a quick image you can expand into a full street view with one tap.
Why It Matters
Before booking a hotel, renting an apartment, or planning a day out, you can virtually “walk” the area. See what the street looks like, how close things really are, and even check for parking, all without leaving your phone.
🔗 Apple Maps Links That Actually Work Everywhere
What’s New
- 🌐 Universal Apple Maps Links: The New link format will open reliably across iPhone, iPad, Mac, or even in a browser if you’re on Android or Windows.
- 🔁 Consistent Experience: Your shared locations and saved spots will look and work the same, no matter the platform.
Why It Matters
No more broken links, map errors, or awkward redirects. If someone sends you a location, whether in an email, blog post, or group chat, it’ll just work.
📣 Why These Changes Will Make Your Life Easier
The next time your favorite app updates, you might notice it just feels smarter. Finding spots will be faster. Directions will feel more personal. The info will be easier to understand and share. That’s what these Apple Maps changes are all about: less friction, more clarity, and better results.
Which new Apple Maps feature are you most excited to try when it rolls out?