Experts have come in for some stick in recent years, but ultimately, their insights are invaluable, and we should listen to them more. Which is why Apple is now utilizing experts to improve Apple Maps for users.

Apple Maps Users Can Now Make Use Of Experts

Apple Maps has long lagged behind Google Maps when it comes to usability and user-friendliness. In fact, at one point, soon after launch, Apple Maps was seen as a joke. However, Apple is now turning to experts in their field to help you find what you want to find on Maps.

As detailed in a post on the Apple Newsroom, Apple has partnered with the Michelin Guide, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest to make it easier for Apple Maps users to find what they’re looking for. Specifically, the best restaurants, hotels, and golf courses.

Apple Maps will be able to use search filters to find Michelin-starred, Green Star, and Bib Gourmand restaurants, as well as hotels awarded a Michelin Key. Once available, golfers will be able to see insights into the best golf courses too.

Once you find somewhere using these filters, you’ll then be able to view place cards that “reflect distinctions, descriptions, and images from expert sources.” You’ll even be able to book select restaurants, hotels, and tee times at golf courses directly on Apple Maps.

Recommendations from Michelin will be landing first, with rankings and insights from The Infatuation and Golf Digest coming soon. Apple has also made it clear that this is just the start too, with “more expert sources to follow.”

These partnerships are currently only rolling out in the US, with no details on a wider rollout yet announced. Which, given the number of Michelin-starred restaurants in Europe and beyond, feels like a misstep. Still, Apple promises that “support for additional regions [will be] coming in the future.”

Apple Maps Keeps On Getting Better and Better

As mentioned above, at launch, and for some time after, Apple Maps was seen as a bit of a joke. It certainly failed to impress most people who used it at that time, and failed to compete with Google Maps in any way. But things are changing rather rapidly.

Not only has Apple Maps improved in every area over the last few years, Apple is adding innovative new features. These include Look Around, which is Apple Maps’ response to Google Street View.

Bringing expert guides and rankings in is a great step, as it leans on the people whose job it is to assess the best places to visit. And while, as someone who enjoys leaving reviews on Google Maps, I still think user reviews have value, they’re best when coupled with expert guidance.