Over the past few days, it appears that Apple Maps has gained support for in-app reviews and images from two new sources. Since its launch, Apple Maps has only supported reviews of businesses from Yelp, but now it appears that the app is integrating user content from TripAdvisor and Booking.com for hotels, as seen below.
At this point there does not seem to be any criteria for when you will see content from Yelp, Booking.com, or TripAdvisor. Although, Booking.com seems to be far more prevalent internationally than the other two sources. No matter which of the three sources appears, however, you’ll see both images and reviews from only one source, with no option to view data from the other two within the app.
As of this post, Apple has not acknowledged the addition of Booking.com and TripAdvisor data to its Maps application. On the company’s site, Yelp is still the only source for data listed.
Recently, Apple has been working on collecting data for a Street View feature in Maps with minivans being spotted outfitted with an array of cameras atop. The company has also been adding animated 3D imagery of popular landmarks to Maps, as well as more cities to its 3D Flyover feature.
Thanks Lars!
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Has the apple maps always said “data from tomtom,others”?
Yes :)
I think this is a good start with a lot of potential but I think Apple still half assed this TripAdvisor/Booking.com integration. First of all, when it comes to hotel listings for instance, all three review services should have their photos and reviews listed. Second, when I look at Burj Al Arab in Dubai for instance, it now has reviews and photos from Booking.com, but no street name from Booking.com. Also, it seems like this is just for hotels. At least when I looked I didn’t see any reviews/photos for attractions and restaurants from TripAdvisor (please point out to me if you notice otherwise). Lastly, where’s Urbanspoon/Zomato integration for restaurants?!
P.S. I’m noticing the new integration myself on the latest beta of iOS 8.3. Is that where the above screenshots are from or are the TripAdvisor/Booking.com integration also in 8.2?
It’s definitely getting better. I’ve recently started using it again as Google maps has been overheating and crashing my phone. What I have noticed though is the position of the POIs on the map aren’t very accurate.
It seems strange to see images from Booking & TripAdvisor or other OTA’s like Hotels-Fairy.com on Apple maps. It will be interested to know if this is a random thing or certain algorithm that is used by Apple to pick up relevant hotel photos and reviews
Hi Mark,
Can you show me an example of where Hotels-Fairy.com is used in Apple Maps? I agree with about the randomness of which hotel listings use which source. I don’t know about you but I think thy should combine the reviews/photos together…