In iOS 10, Apple has opened Maps to third-party apps, allowing developers to create extensions that can be integrated into the search result of Maps. When you install an app that has an extension available for Apple Maps, then it will be integrated with it automatically.
However, all Maps extensions are disabled by default so that your search results don’t get piled up with unnecessary extensions. Enabling an extension is very easy and can be done on a per-app basis. So you can enable a particular extension while keeping all the others disabled.
Read on to how to enable third-party extensions in Apple Maps.
How to Enable App Extensions for Apple Maps in iOS 10
Step 1: Launch the Settings app.
Step 2: Scroll down and open Maps.
Step 3: Under Extensions, you should see all the installed third-party apps that have an extension available for Apple Maps. If you don’t see this section, then it means that don’t have an app that provides an extension for Apple Maps.
Step 4: To enable a particular extension for Apple Maps, simply turn on the toggle associated with it.
Step 5: Next, launch the Maps app and search for something. You should now see the extensions that you enabled.
That’s all you need to do to enable app extensions in iOS 10 Maps. You can enable as many apps as you’d like, as long as there is an extension available for them.
Apps that Support Apple Maps Extension
Currently, there’s a small number of apps that support Apple Maps extension. These include:
Unfortunately, the App Store doesn’t indicate which apps come with an extension for Maps. The only way to find out if an app supports Maps extension is to check its changelog.
How to Use Apple Maps Extensions
I’m going to use OpenTable as an example to illustrate how Apple Maps extensions can be used. Other apps work more or less in the same way.
OpenTable is an app that allows users to reserve a place at their favorite restaurants. With the app’s extension, you can reserve for restaurants directly from the Maps app.
Step 1: Open the Maps app.
Step 2: Tap on the search bar and type in the name of the restaurant where you want to reserve a spot.
Step 3: Tap and open the restaurant you searched for.
Step 4: Maps now displays a detailed information of that restaurant. Right at the top, you’ll find a button labelled ‘Reservations’. Press it to reserve a seat at that restaurant.
Similarly, other apps such as Uber and Yelp will display their extensions when you search for a place in the Maps app.
Do you know of any other app that provides Maps extension? Share it with us in the comments below.
