Many owners put all their effort into Google and forget that a large share of iPhone users search with Apple Maps and Siri. If your business does not show there, shows the wrong hours, or points to an old address, you can lose customers you never knew about. The fix is usually free and takes an afternoon: claim your place card with Apple Business Connect, correct the details, and keep them in step with Google.
Why Apple Maps matters
Apple Maps is the default map app on iPhone, and the same business information appears when people ask Siri for a nearby service or search on their iPhone. Customers using it may never open Google Maps at all. Your business details there come from Apple, not from Google, so a perfect Google Business Profile does not fix Apple Maps.
Why your business is not showing on Apple Maps
- It has never been added. New businesses, and businesses that only set up Google, are often missing.
- It has not been claimed. Apple builds place cards from its own map data and from outside data providers. Unclaimed cards can be incomplete or wrong.
- The details are out of date. An old address, phone number or name from a previous owner can make the place hard to find.
- It is listed under a different name or category, so it does not appear for the searches you expect.
- It is marked as closed, sometimes because of an old report or a past move.
- The searcher is too far away. Like Google, Apple shows nearby places first, so you may not appear for someone searching from across the city.
Step 1: check what Apple already has
Open Apple Maps on an iPhone, iPad or Mac and search for your exact business name, then for your main service near your address. Note what you find: is there a place card, is it yours, and are the name, address, phone, hours and website right? If there is a duplicate or an old listing, write it down so you can deal with it once you have access.
Step 2: claim your business with Apple Business Connect
Apple Business Connect is Apple's free tool for businesses to manage how they appear on Apple Maps and other Apple apps. Go to the Apple Business Connect website, sign in with an Apple Account, and search for your business. If it exists, claim it. If it does not, add it as a new place.
Apple will ask you to confirm that you are allowed to manage the business. Depending on the business, this may be a phone call to the business number or documents that show your business name and address. Use the same business name and details you use on your signage, website and Google profile.
Apple Business Connect is not available everywhere, so check that your country is supported before you start.
Step 3: complete your place card
- Your exact business name, with no extra keywords
- The right category for your main service
- Address, or the areas you serve if customers do not visit you
- Opening hours, including special hours for holidays
- Phone number and website
- Real photos of your premises, team and work, and your logo
- Action links, such as booking or ordering, if you use them
Apple also lets businesses publish short promotions on their place card. Use them for real offers or seasonal news, the same way you would use posts on Google.
Step 4: fix wrong or duplicate listings
Once you manage your business, correct the details directly. For listings you cannot manage, such as a duplicate or an old address, use the Report an Issue option in Apple Maps to tell Apple what is wrong. Keep your report short and factual. Then give it time; corrections are reviewed before they appear.
Step 5: keep Apple and Google in step
Customers notice when your hours differ between apps, and search engines and map providers compare your details across the web. Whenever you change something important, update it everywhere on the same day:
- Your website
- Your Google Business Profile
- Apple Business Connect
- Bing Places and the main directories in your industry
- Your Facebook and Instagram pages
If you serve customers at their location, set up the same service area approach everywhere. Our guide to service area businesses on Google Maps explains how it works on Google.
Is your business missing from Google too?
If a business is missing from Apple Maps, it is worth checking Google at the same time. The causes are different, such as verification, suspension or the wrong category, and so are the fixes. Our guide on why your business is not showing on Google Maps walks through all nine common causes, and Google Business Profile verification problems covers the verification step.
Want it handled for you?
Keeping your name, address, phone and hours consistent on Google, Apple Maps, Bing and key directories is part of our Google Business Profile management service, included in every affordable SEO plan from $180 a month. You stay the owner of every listing. Not sure where you are missing? Ask for a free audit and a person on our team will check your listings by hand.
Frequently asked questions
Is Apple Business Connect free?
Yes. Claiming and managing your place card on Apple Maps through Apple Business Connect is free. You need an Apple Account to sign in.
How long does it take for changes to show on Apple Maps?
It varies. Some updates appear quickly, while new places and verification can take longer. Make your changes once, then check back after a few days rather than editing again.
Does Apple Maps use my Google Business Profile?
No. Apple Maps is separate from Google. You need to claim and manage your business on Apple Business Connect as well, and keep the details the same as on Google.
Where do Apple Maps ratings come from?
Apple Maps can show ratings from Apple users and, for some places, ratings and reviews from partner services. Getting honest reviews on the major platforms helps your business look trusted wherever people search.
Can a service area business be on Apple Maps?
Yes. Apple Business Connect lets you list a business that serves customers at their location. Keep the setup consistent with your Google Business Profile.