- Jul 3, 2016
- 1,172
- 5,610
I am experiencing unusually high ranking quickly on Apple maps vs Google maps for local SEO lately. Does it matter? What is your experience lately and why do you think so?
Google Maps VS Apple Maps: What Is Your Recent Experience?
- Thread starter Jason Starkey
- Start date
- Jun 9, 2020
- 6,574
- 3,265
Did you get any reviews on your Apple map listing, or did you do anything else to see the unusual high ranking?
- Jul 3, 2016
- 1,172
- 5,610
Thanks for the reply, it took me awhile to get back to it to answer your question. I never looked until my wife told me, I only focused on google reviews.
On apple maps the only few reviews it showed were pulled from yelp and the overall rating is bad from long ago review on yelp.
I never focused on apple anything, but it is ranking #2 and #3 for almost impossible keywords, versus #10-#12 on google, but does anyone use apple maps to make it matter?!
- Jun 9, 2020
- 6,574
- 3,265
Then, in my opinion, you have seen a high ranking because 1st, there might be low competition on Apple Maps for your targeted keyword, and 2nd, reviews.
Reviews do matter when it comes to Google map ranking, and here it is also the same case whether it is pulling data from Yelp listings. And your Yelp listing might be getting frequent reviews. Maybe that's why it is pulling reviews from there.
- Jun 2, 2025
- 393
- 148
Apple maps ranks faster but traffic is way lower. Google maps still brings most leads.
Good to be on both but dont rely on Apple alone.
Good to be on both but dont rely on Apple alone.
bade
Newbie
- Mar 25, 2026
- 16
- 2
Not yet, still in the early stage so reviews are limited for now.
I’ve mainly been focusing on optimizing the listing details and keeping everything consistent. It could also be influenced by lower competition or location factors.
Still monitoring to see what’s driving the ranking.
Have you noticed similar patterns on your listings?
MiSparrow
Junior Member
- Jul 29, 2024
- 108
- 47
yeah, that’s true! Apple Maps has been picking up businesses faster lately, especially at the beginning. but in reality Google Maps still drives most of the traffic and leads, it just takes longer to gain traction there. Apple is more like a nice bonus rather than a main channel
- Jul 3, 2016
- 1,172
- 5,610
It is very competitive, one of the only things in every town and tons of them with big budgets. And no new reviews on yelp for years, only a few total, and horrible rating overall. Weird right?
Me either, I am an android guy! Apparently we need to add it to our seo focus, there is an option to connect business websites, claim business, and optimize things just like GMB, and it is default map on many ios devices. They say it was around since 2012 and now it is beta version on browser here https://maps.apple.com/
- Jun 9, 2020
- 6,574
- 3,265
But still, did you get any leads from there yet?
- Dec 7, 2008
- 2,932
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Apple Maps is more data-driven, pulling information from basic signals, whereas Google Maps is backed by a full search engine that calculates calls, clicks, and user behavior. That’s why it’s easier to rank on Apple Maps, even for competitive keywords. What you’re seeing isn’t better rankings, it’s just lower competition.
NicheNavigatorr
Newbie
- Apr 14, 2026
- 27
- 0
I have noticed Apple Maps can be easier to rank on compared to Google Maps, especially with less competition. Google still brings more traffic though, so I usually focus on both when possible.
bade
Newbie
- Mar 25, 2026
- 16
- 2
That’s true. Apple Maps often has less competition, so it can be easier to rank, especially for newer listings. But Google Maps still brings in more traffic overall, so focusing on both is definitely the best approach for maximum visibility.
OliviaClicks
Newbie
- Apr 14, 2026
- 31
- 3
Apple maps can be easier in some niches since competition is often lower than Google Maps. Google still brings more volume, but apple visibility can be nice extra source of leads. Worth optimizing both if possible.
bade
Newbie
- Mar 25, 2026
- 16
- 2
I agree. Apple Maps can be easier to gain visibility in certain niches due to lower competition. While Google provides higher overall traffic, Apple Maps can still be a valuable additional source of leads. Optimizing for both platforms is a practical approach.
- Nov 25, 2024
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Apple Maps feels easier for ranking right now, probably because competition is still much lower compared to Google Maps.
Google still brings most leads in my experience, but Apple visibility can still help, especially for iPhone users.
I think businesses should optimize both instead of relying on only one platform.