Apple has released a new free tool that allows businesses to highlight their locations and customize the way their information appears to users across its app ecosystem.
With Apple Business Connect, businesses around the world can manage their information directly on the Apple Maps Place Card, including adding and updating images and logos.
The company said on Wednesday that businesses can also invite customers to take actions like ordering food or making reservations directly on Maps and offering special promotions.
“We created Business Connect to provide Apple users around the world with the most accurate information about where to eat, shop, travel and more,” said Eddie Cue, Apple’s senior vice president of Services.
“Apple Business Connect gives all business owners the tools they need to connect with customers more directly and have greater control over the way billions of people see and interact with their products and services every day.”
Business owners can use their Apple ID to sign up for Business Connect on the self-service website.
Once a business has signed in and Apple has verified their business, they can claim their location or locations and begin updating and customizing their location card.
The company also announced Showcases, a new seat card feature that will allow businesses to offer offers and incentives to customers.
Apple said the feature is available in the US starting Wednesday and will be available to businesses around the world in the “coming months”.
The company said Business Connect is focused on providing greater access to small businesses.
It follows other Apple services such as Tap to Pay on the iPhone – which allows businesses to securely accept Apple Pay, contactless credit and debit cards and other digital wallets with a tap on the iPhone – and Business Essentials, a subscription that combines device management, 24/7 support, and cloud storage.
Apple’s new offering comes as the world’s biggest company by market value saw its share price plummet earlier this year amid concerns about inflation, supply problems and growing fears of a global economic slowdown.
Its market capitalization fell below $2 trillion for the first time since March 2021 on Jan. 3, although its share prices have since recovered.
Apple shares were trading up 1.5 percent at $132.69 as of 9:30 pm UAE time on Wednesday, pushing the iPhone’s market value to $2.29 trillion.
