## Apple Maps Elevates Discovery with Expert Recommendations from Michelin, Golf Digest, and More Apple Maps is stepping up its game, moving beyond basic navigation to become a richer discovery tool by integrating recommendations and insights from leading industry experts. Users can now find top-tier restaurants, hotels, and golf courses curated by renowned sources like the Michelin Guide, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest, directly within the app . This significant update, which began rolling out on May 14, 2025, aims to provide users with trusted, high-quality suggestions whether they are exploring their local area or traveling . The integration brings valuable perspectives from experts consumers already rely on. According to David Dorn, Apple's senior director of Internet Software and Services Product, "MICHELIN Guide, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest are leading industry experts that consumers rely on for finding the best restaurants, hotels, and golf courses, and we're excited to bring their valuable insights and accolades to our users in Apple Maps" . This move positions Apple Maps not just as a way to get from point A to point B, but as a comprehensive resource for planning experiences. ### A Deeper Dive into Expert Contributions The initial rollout prominently features the **Michelin Guide**, globally recognized for its rigorous evaluation of restaurants and hotels. Apple Maps users can now easily view and search for establishments that have received prestigious Michelin distinctions, including: * **Michelin-starred restaurants:** Highlighting exceptional cuisine . * **Green Star restaurants:** Recognizing leaders in sustainable gastronomy . * **Bib Gourmand restaurants:** Pointing to quality food at a reasonable price . * **Michelin Key hotels:** Identifying outstanding accommodations . This integration goes beyond simple listings. Place cards within Apple Maps will now display specific distinctions, detailed descriptions, and images provided by these expert sources . This allows users to get a clear sense of what makes a place special, backed by credible reviews. Gwendal Poullennec, MICHELIN Guide’s international director, commented on the partnership, stating, "The integration of MICHELIN Guide’s ratings, expert insights, and booking services into Apple Maps will significantly enhance global access to exceptional gastronomy and hospitality experiences" . While Michelin recommendations are available first, Apple has confirmed that rankings and insights from **The Infatuation**, a popular restaurant review platform, and **Golf Digest**, a leading authority on golf courses, will be added soon . This phased approach ensures a steady stream of valuable content across different categories. Apple also indicated that "more expert sources" are planned for the future, suggesting this is just the beginning of expanding expert-curated content within Maps . ### Enhanced Discovery and Booking Features The integration of expert insights is designed to make discovering new places more intuitive and seamless. Users can leverage these new data points to filter searches and explore options based on expert recommendations. For instance, someone looking for a high-quality dining experience can specifically search for Michelin-starred or Bib Gourmand restaurants in a given area . Similarly, golf enthusiasts will soon be able to find Golf Digest-recommended courses . Beyond discovery, Apple is also enhancing the transactional capabilities within Maps. Users can now book select hotels directly through the app . Looking ahead, Apple plans to introduce options to schedule restaurant reservations directly through Michelin and book tee times through Supreme Golf . These additions aim to create a more integrated experience, allowing users to move from finding a place to securing a spot without leaving the Maps environment. ### Why Expert Recommendations Matter Integrating expert sources adds a layer of trust and authority to the recommendations available in Apple Maps. While user-generated reviews (like those already present from Yelp and regular users ) are valuable, expert curation offers a different perspective based on professional evaluation criteria. For users seeking consistently high standards in dining, hospitality, or leisure activities like golf, these expert insights provide a reliable filter. This update makes Apple Maps a more competitive player in the digital mapping space, offering a feature set that appeals to users looking for curated, high-quality experiences. As TechCrunch noted, the update could "bring out your bougie side," catering to those interested in finding premium establishments . ### Rollout and Future Expansion The new features, including the initial Michelin Guide integration, launched on May 14, 2025, starting in the United States . Apple has stated that support for additional regions will be coming in the future . This phased rollout allows Apple to refine the integration and expand its partnerships globally. In conclusion, Apple Maps' integration of expert recommendations from sources like the Michelin Guide, The Infatuation, and Golf Digest marks a significant evolution for the platform. By bringing trusted insights, rankings, and descriptions directly into the app, Apple is making it easier for users to discover and engage with top-rated restaurants, hotels, and golf courses. Coupled with enhanced booking capabilities, this update transforms Apple Maps into a more powerful tool for planning and experiencing the best places around the world .
