One new change to Apple Maps in iOS 18 is panned by some users

2 min readUpdated Jun 4, 2025Jul 24, 20247:04 AM

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If you’ve rolled the dice and decided to install the iOS 18 Public Beta release on your eligible iPhone device, you might have noticed something other than a drop-off in your battery life and some of the new features that we have written about. Apple Maps has been changed, and not all users are thrilled with it. In iOS 18, some businesses, restaurants, and stores have larger fonts and icons, helping them stand out on the map. Colored fonts are employed to make these places stand out.

According to Apple Maps users on Reddit, some of these locations were described as “suggested” or “sponsored” places. Apple is essentially highlighting these locations, which stand out compared to street names and other places printed in smaller gray and black fonts. This appears to be a way for Apple to monetize the Maps app, and users are not happy with what they see as advertisements being placed all over the map.

Not all Apple Maps users agree with that assessment and state that Apple is making these businesses stand out on Maps to help users more quickly and easily find where they are on the map and where to turn. While it sounds as though some of these users might have had a sip of the Cupertino Kool Aid, there might be some truth to this. Business owners on Reddit whose stores are highlighted on Apple Maps say that they are not paying any money to Apple.

“I’ve seen threads where people talk to business owners who are showing up like this on Apple Maps. The businesses claim they are not paying for this, it is not a monetization effort or ads. Here is what this actually is: for easier navigation. You can notice signs for those things and know where you are and where to turn. If you actually start navigating somewhere, these will no longer cover up the road or intersections on the map.”-Reddit user StillChillBuster

Apple Maps wouldn’t seem to require using business locations to help users navigate since the app already does a great job of using stop signs and traffic lights as landmarks to tell you when to make a turn. Still, for those who don’t listen to the spoken turn-by-turn directions on Apple Maps, using certain businesses as landmarks would make sense. For example, knowing that you make a right at Starbucks might prevent you from missing the turn.

No iPhone user is going to install the iOS 18 Public Beta just for this change to Apple Maps. However, the pre-release version of iOS 18 will allow you to customize your Hone Screen app icons, schedule messages to be sent at certain times, open any app from your Lock Screen, and more.

As for Apple Maps, iOS 18 will eventually add hiking and custom walking maps that can be used at U.S. national parks. The app will also start showing topographic maps revealing the terrain of certain areas.

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Questions & Answers

What is the main change to Apple Maps in the iOS 18 Public Beta that some users are unhappy with?

Apple Maps now displays some businesses, restaurants, and stores with larger, coloured fonts and icons. Users have described these as 'suggested' or 'sponsored' locations, making them stand out compared to other text on the map.

Why do some users believe these changes to Apple Maps are a problem?

Some users perceive the highlighted locations as advertisements, suggesting Apple is monetising the Maps app. They are unhappy with what they see as ads placed throughout the map interface.

How do business owners respond to the claim that they are paying Apple for prominent placement on Maps?

Business owners whose stores are highlighted on Apple Maps claim they are not paying Apple for this feature. They state it is not a monetisation effort or a form of advertising.

What alternative explanation is offered for why Apple Maps is highlighting certain businesses?

Some users and business owners suggest the larger displays are for easier navigation, helping users quickly find where they are and where to turn. Businesses can act as landmarks, like knowing to turn at a Starbucks.

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