Apple Maps has announced a new partnership with SpotHero, a popular third-party parking platform, to help users find parking options in landmarks across the United States and Canada. This new feature will give users an overview of parking availability at their final destination.
How to Access the SpotHero Integration?
To access the new SpotHero integration, users need to find a relatively notable landmark location where there are parking garages and lots nearby. Then, they should tap the “More” ellipsis and look for the “Parking” button. A web view will then open, showing users nearby parking options.
Book and Prepay for Your Parking Spot
The SpotHero web view allows users to book and prepay for their parking spot. Users can also filter available options to find parking options that offer valet, in and out privileges, covered parking, and more.
However, it should be noted that most of the parking options presented in SpotHero are paid, so users should not expect to use this feature to find free parking.
Locations
Apple Maps has announced a new partnership with SpotHero, a popular third-party parking platform, to help users find parking options in landmarks across the United States and Canada.
The new feature is now available at 8,000 locations across these two countries. Apple Maps has offered parking information in the past through other third-party services, but this SpotHero integration is the latest implementation we’ve seen.
Redirected to Basic Web View
The integration is not without its flaws. When users tap on the “Parking” button, they are immediately redirected to a basic web view of the SpotHero website. In many instances, it would probably be easier just to go to the SpotHero website in Safari or use the SpotHero app itself.
In-App Integration with Companies like SpotHero
Ideally, Apple could team up with a company like SpotHero or ParkMobile to offer parking information that is directly integrated into the Maps app itself. For instance, users could find parking options, prepay for a spot using Apple Pay, and then get precise navigation to their exact location.
A Step in the Right Direction
Despite its drawbacks, this new feature is a step in the right direction for Apple Maps. Even though it’s just a glorified web view hidden behind an ellipsis, it still makes parking search easier for users.