WWDC 2025 - Go further with MapKit & MapKit JavaScript

The latest MapKit updates introduce powerful new capabilities that fundamentally change how we handle location-based services in iOS applications. Here's a comprehensive breakdown of the key enhancements.

PlaceDescriptor: The New Standard for Place References

Core Concepts

• Purpose: Structured way to describe places without requiring MapKit identifiers
• Framework: Part of the new GeoToolbox framework
• Use Cases: Web APIs, CRMs, App Intents, cross-framework communication

Three Essential Components

1. Common Name

• Well-known public names (e.g., "Guggenheim Museum", "Sydney Opera House")
• Avoid private references like "Mom's House"
• Doesn't directly help MapKit locate places

2. Representations Array (Required)

Three types available:

• Address: Complete postal address strings
• Coordinate: Fixed geographic points using CLLocationCoordinate2D
• Device Location: GPS data with additional metadata (accuracy, timestamp, heading)

3. Supporting Representations (Optional)

• Service identifiers from different mapping providers
• Bundle identifier as key, provider-specific ID as value
• Enables cross-platform compatibility

Implementation Example

import GeoToolbox
import MapKit

let coordinates = CLLocationCoordinate2D(latitude: 53.347673, longitude: -6.290198)
let descriptor = PlaceDescriptor(
    representations: [.coordinate(coordinates)],
    commonName: "Anna Livia Fountain"
)

let request = MKMapItemRequest(placeDescriptor: descriptor)
let mapItem = try await request.mapItem

Enhanced Geocoding with MapKit

Key Changes

• Deprecation: CLGeocoder deprecated in favor of MapKit APIs
• Soft Deprecation: CLPlacemark being phased out
• New APIs: MKReverseGeocodingRequest and MKGeocodingRequest

Reverse Geocoding Pattern

let location = CLLocation(latitude: 39.042617, longitude: -94.587526)
if let request = MKReverseGeocodingRequest(location: location) {
    let mapItems = try await request.mapItems
    let mapItem = mapItems.first
}

Address Representation Options

MKAddress Properties

• fullAddress: Complete postal address
• shortAddress: Essential components only

MKAddressRepresentations Features

• fullAddress(includingRegion: false): Omit region for same-country listings
• cityWithContext: Intelligent city display with relevant context
• Automatically adapts to device locale and region

Advanced Directions & Navigation

Cycling Directions Support

Major addition to MapKit's transportation options:

let request = MKDirections.Request()
request.source = MKMapItem.forCurrentLocation()
request.destination = selectedItem
request.transportType = .cycling  // New capability

Route Response Components

• Matched source/destination: May differ from request (e.g., parking considerations)
• Multiple routes: Array of alternative paths
• Rich metadata: Localized names, notices, distance, time estimates
• Geometry data: Polyline for map display

Map Selection Integration

@State var selectedItem: MKMapItem?

Map(selection: $selectedItem) {
    UserAnnotation()
    ForEach(fountains, id: \.self) { item in
        Marker(item: item)
    }
}
.onChange(of: selectedItem) {
    // Trigger route calculation
}

Look Around Integration

iOS Implementation

• Scene checking: Verify imagery availability
• Preview mode: Static snapshots with full-screen launch
• Interactive mode: Embedded 360° navigation

Map {
    ForEach(fountains, id: \.name) { fountain in
        Marker(item: fountain)
    }
}
.overlay(alignment: .bottomLeading) {
    if lookAroundScene != nil {
        LookAroundPreview(scene: $lookAroundScene)
            .frame(width: 230, height: 140)
            .cornerRadius(10)
    }
}

MapKit JS Integration

New web capabilities with three configuration options:

const options = {
    openDialog: true,           // Full window on load
    showsDialogControl: true,   // Enter/exit full window button
    showsCloseControl: true     // Close button
};

const lookAround = new mapkit.LookAround(
    document.getElementById("container"),
    place,
    options
);

Event Handling

• close: User-initiated closure
• load: View fully loaded
• error: Imagery unavailable or browser incompatible
• readystatechange: Lifecycle monitoring

Universal Maps URLs

New URL Structure

• Consistency: Simplified, readable parameters
• Universal compatibility: Works across Apple and non-Apple platforms
• Enhanced features: Links to additional Maps functionality
• Web fallback: Automatic redirect to maps.apple.com for non-iOS devices

iOS 18.4 URL Updates

Updated parameter handling ensures reliable cross-platform linking with improved consistency and expanded feature access.

watchOS Expansion

Platform Availability

• 20+ MapKit APIs: Now available on Apple Watch
• Directions support: Full navigation capabilities on wrist
• Consistent API: Same patterns across iOS, macOS, and watchOS

Best Practices & Migration Strategy

PlaceDescriptor Usage

• Preference order: Address → Coordinate → Device Location
• Service identifiers: Include multiple providers for maximum compatibility
• Fallback handling: Always implement error handling for failed resolutions

Geocoding Migration

• Phase out: Replace CLGeocoder with MKGeocodingRequest
• Address display: Leverage MKAddressRepresentations for flexible formatting
• Error handling: Handle optional returns from geocoding requests

Performance Considerations

• Batch requests: Group PlaceDescriptor resolutions when possible
• Caching strategy: Store resolved MapItems to avoid repeated API calls
• Network awareness: Implement appropriate fallbacks for offline scenarios

Key Takeaways

1. PlaceDescriptor enables place referencing without MapKit identifiers
2. Enhanced geocoding provides more flexible address handling
3. Cycling directions expand transportation options
4. Look Around brings street-level imagery to web applications
5. Universal URLs ensure cross-platform compatibility
6. watchOS support extends MapKit reach to wearables

These updates represent a significant evolution in MapKit's capabilities, providing developers with more flexible, powerful tools for location-based applications across Apple's ecosystem and beyond.