How to enable and use Maps extensions on iPhone and iPad

How to enable and use Maps extensions on iPhone and iPad
How to enable and use Maps extensions on iPhone and iPad (Image credit: Joseph Keller / iMore)

It's easy to get more out of the Maps app by allowing third-party apps to add extensions. The primary purpose of app extensions is to give you the ability to do things like book a reservation at a restaurant or call for a ride from services like Uber, without having to leave Maps. This kind of integration frees up your precious time by cutting out the need to switch between different apps to accomplish your goals.

How to enable Maps extensions on iPhone and iPad

  1. Launch the Settings app from your Home screen.
  2. Tap Maps.
  3. Choose the type of extensions you wish to turn on under Extensions.
  4. Toggle On the extension you want to enable. Green means it's on.

To activate extensions, launch the Settings app, then choose Maps. Choose the type of extensions, then toggle on the extension you want to enable. (Image credit: iMore)

Note: If you don't see the Extension heading, there are no apps installed on your device with Maps extensions capabilities.

How to use Maps extensions on iPhone and iPad

Every Maps extension is going to work a little differently, but to give you a rough idea of how they work, let's use OpenTable to show you how it can work.

  1. Launch Maps from your Home Screen.
  2. Tap the search bar
  3. Start typing in the name of the restaurant you want.
  4. Tap on the option you want
  5. Tap the Reservations: OpenTable button.

To use Maps extensions with OpenTable, launch the Maps app, tap the search bar and find restaurant you want. Choose Reservations:OpenTable and follow the directions. (Image credit: iMore)

From here, you can arrange all the details of your reservation, including what time, the number of people coming, and even write special requests. After your information is all entered, you will be redirected to the OpenTable app to confirm your reservation.

Questions?

Let us know in the comments below!

More Apple Maps guides

What's new in the Maps appHow to find locations and get directions with MapsHow to share location and directions with MapsHow to delete your search history and prior destinations in MapsHow to use Siri with MapsHow to enable and use Maps extensionsBest Maps app extensionsHow to change settings for MapsHow to report a problem in MapsHow to use Maps with CarPlay

Luke Filipowicz
Staff Writer

Luke Filipowicz has been a writer at iMore, covering Apple for nearly a decade now. He writes a lot about Apple Watch and iPad but covers the iPhone and Mac as well. He often describes himself as an "Apple user on a budget" and firmly believes that great technology can be affordable if you know where to look. Luke also heads up the iMore Show — a weekly podcast focusing on Apple news, rumors, and products but likes to have some fun along the way. 


Luke knows he spends more time on Twitter than he probably should, so feel free to follow him or give him a shout on social media @LukeFilipowicz.