Apple's new map links
In 2025 Apple introduced one set of Maps links that work the same on iPhone, iPad, Mac and Apple Watch. They need iOS 18.4, macOS 15.4 or later:
- maps.apple.com/place?address=… shows the place card for an address, or ?coordinate=lat,lng for an exact spot, with an optional name.
- maps.apple.com/directions?destination=…&mode=driving opens a route. The mode can be driving, walking, transit or cycling, and source sets a starting point.
- maps.apple.com/search?query=… searches, like typing in the Maps search box.
The older format, for older devices
Before that, Apple Maps links used maps.apple.com/?q= for a place and ?daddr= for directions, with dirflg=d, w or r for driving, walking or transit. These still open on every Apple device, including ones that haven't updated.
If you're printing a QR code that will be around for years, or most of your visitors use older iPhones, the older format is the safer pick. The tool gives you both.
Address or coordinates?
An address is easy to read, but Maps searches for it and shows the closest match. New buildings, big venues and rural places can end up with the pin in the wrong place.
Coordinates point to one exact spot, like a side entrance or a car park. In Apple Maps, press and hold the spot to drop a pin, then swipe up to see its coordinates. Add a pin name so people know what they're looking at.
Apple Maps or Google Maps?
Apple Maps is built into every iPhone, so it's the most natural choice for iPhone users. On Android and Windows, Apple Maps links open in a web browser, and support there varies.
For a mixed audience, share both. Our maps link generator makes Google Maps and Waze links from the same address.
Frequently asked questions
How do I make an Apple Maps link?
Use maps.apple.com/place?address= followed by the address, or ?coordinate=lat,lng for an exact spot. Type the address above and the tool builds it.
How do I link to directions in Apple Maps?
Use maps.apple.com/directions?destination= with the address and &mode=driving, walking, transit or cycling. Without a source, the route starts from where the person is.
Do Apple Maps links work on Android?
They open in a web browser rather than an app, and how well that works varies. For Android users, share a Google Maps link as well.
Why does my Apple Maps link open the wrong place?
Maps searched the address and picked the closest match. Add the postcode and country, or use coordinates instead of an address.
Which Apple Maps link format should I use?
The new /place and /directions links on iOS 18.4 and later. For printed codes or older iPhones, the older ?q= and ?daddr= links work everywhere.