Apple Maps, once lagging behind Google Maps, appears to be rapidly evolving. The upcoming iOS 18 promises significant enhancements, including subtle design changes that hint at a potential shift in the app’s direction.
A recent discovery in the iOS 18 public beta reveals an enlarged and prominent display of nearby businesses on the map, leading to speculation about Apple’s intentions.
The exaggerated size and styling of these business listings, compared to the subdued appearance of street names, have raised concerns among users who fear Apple might be introducing advertisements to monetize the app, mirroring a common practice among navigation competitors.
Apple Maps in iOS 18 seems to be addressing this by introducing prominently displayed landmarks along your route. While some users worry this is a shift towards advertising, it appears to be a functionality tweak.
These enlarged icons, like a giant Starbucks logo, aren’t necessarily recommendations, but rather reference points to aid users in following directions.
This approach, evident from the lack of business owner payments for increased visibility, suggests Apple is prioritizing user experience by providing clearer visual cues during navigation. With iOS 18 still under development, this feature is likely part of Apple’s experimentation phase and its final implementation hinges on user feedback.
