Here’s how Apple can fix Apple Maps' app weaknesses

Apple Maps, the default navigation app on iOS devices, has shown significant developments since its launch with iOS 6 in 2012. 

Recently, Apple made the app available on the web for its users enabling direct access to Apple Maps from a web browser on desktop or mobile devices. 

With this new upgrade, Apple Maps is taking over its main competitor, Google Maps, However, there are still some shortcomings in the app that make some users switch to Google Maps. 

Read more: Apple Maps web launched — Takes on Google with new features

Downsides of Apple Maps

Apple Maps depends on three third-party sources in the United States such as Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Foursquare to get reviews and images ensuring a lot of information about businesses and places, however, it makes the user experience less consistent. 

Although, in 2021, Apple introduced an original assessment and photosystem for Apple Maps, allowing users to provide live reviews, and upload photos in the app Yelp remained the main source of reviews and images on Apple Maps. 

Steps to improve Apple Maps shortcomings

Increased user participation

Apple can encourage its users and ensure that they submit their reviews and photos related to the places they visit similar to Google Maps’ Local Guide System that the app uses. 

Dependence on third-party apps

Apple should consider renewing relations with Yelp, TripAdvisor, and Foursquare to bring more data from these sources to the app rather than completely depending on third-party apps. 

Prioritisation of internal data

If Apple prioritises data from Apple Maps users at the app interface, by displaying internal data at the top and data from third-party apps at the bottom it would make it easier for users to know what they will see when tapping on images or reviews. 

Despite many great features, Apple is still facing issues in its Maps app and therefore, it is the right time for Apple to update and improve its app to make it user-friendly.