https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/Dated changes to Google, Apple Maps, Bing and Yelp business listings.en-ushttps://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-11-02-google-02026-11-02-google-Google API now reports edit status and rMon, 02 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGoogle added new Business Profile API methods (v1alpha) that return the status and source of each field edit and any policy rejection reasons. If you manage listings through a tool or agency, ask whether it can show you why an edit was not published. You can still check edit status yourself in your profile.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-11-01-google-12026-11-01-google-Business hours can be set by describing Sun, 01 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTThe hours editor now has a Generate hours box where you type your opening times in plain language and Google fills in the hours with AI. You can correct the result by hand before you save. Google says the feature is only available in some regions and languages.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-11-01-google-22026-11-01-google-Suspension appeals can only be submittedSun, 01 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTGoogle's help page for suspended or disabled profiles now states that an appeal can only be submitted once, in both the single and bulk appeal steps. Add your evidence and explanation before you press submit. Do not create a new profile for the same business while you wait.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-11-01-google-32026-11-01-google-Restaurants can hide individual orderingSun, 01 Nov 2026 12:00:00 GMTIn your online ordering settings you can switch off a provider for pickup, for delivery, or both, which removes it from your profile. You can also mark a provider as preferred for pickup or delivery. Google says changes usually show on Search and Maps within a few hours.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-10-20-yelp-42026-10-20-yelp-Yelp adds an AI agent that replies to quTue, 20 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTSmart Lead Reply answers questions inside the message thread when a customer sends a Request a Quote, collects project details and flags qualified leads for you to review. You can add a scheduling link, services, pricing and the questions it should ask. Yelp says it rolls out in November 2026 for $30 per month in the Business Owner Account.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-10-20-yelp-52026-10-20-yelp-Yelp links quote requests to ServiceTitaTue, 20 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTService pros who schedule with ServiceTitan or Housecall Pro can let customers book appointments from their Yelp page, search results and messages. Request a Quote leads can flow into Jobber or Workiz with the job details. Businesses with several locations get one leads center that combines quote requests from all of them.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-10-19-apple-62026-10-19-apple-Apple Business app added for users with Mon, 19 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTApple added instructions for using the Apple Business app, which users with the needed permissions can use to work on the account. Apple's announcement says the companion app needs iOS 26, iPadOS 26 or macOS 26. Check that the person who updates your place card has a role that allows it.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-10-09-google-72026-10-09-google-Gluten-free and dairy-free labels added Fri, 09 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTGoogle added gluten-free and dairy-free to the dietary options that can be set on food menu items. If you run a restaurant, review your menu and tag the dishes that qualify. Only label items you can stand behind.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-10-08-apple-82026-10-08-apple-Apple Business lets you add and edit mulThu, 08 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTApple added the ability to add and edit multiple locations, with new help topics on adding, editing and removing them. If you run several branches, you no longer need to update each place card one by one. Check hours and addresses for every branch after a bulk edit.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-10-01-google-92026-10-01-google-Google Business Home opens as a closed bThu, 01 Oct 2026 12:00:00 GMTGoogle Business Home is a closed beta for select business categories in the US and the UK, and eligible owners get an email invitation. You need a verified profile with fewer than 10 locations for one type of business. At most one YouTube channel, one Google Ads account and one Merchant Center account can be linked.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-09-23-apple-102026-09-23-apple-Apple clarifies when a domain TXT recordWed, 23 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTApple added guidance on when you can remove the TXT record used to verify your domain, and a note not to remove the one used for Verify with Wallet on the Web. If you verified a domain for branded email, check this before your web host or IT person cleans up DNS records.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-09-10-apple-112026-09-10-apple-Agencies can accept Apple Business invitThu, 10 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTApple added the ability for third-party partners to accept pending invitations, review changes to their access and manage another organization. It also added a way to move content from Apple Business to Apple Ads. If an agency manages your listing, review what access you granted.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-09-01-google-122026-09-01-google-Owners get 4 days to accept or reject suTue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTWhen a user suggests an edit that needs your review, Google may notify you by email or in the product, and you have 4 days to accept or reject it. If you do not respond, Google may publish the edit if other public information, such as your website, supports it. Some edits needed to meet policy can be applied without your review.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-09-01-google-132026-09-01-google-Posts with unverified phone numbers, emaTue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 GMTGoogle's content policy now says it may remove posts with unverified contact information, including phone numbers, email addresses and social media handles. Instead of typing a number into the post, attach a Call now button, which uses your verified profile phone number. Keep contact details out of the post text.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-08-14-apple-142026-08-14-apple-Ads on Apple Maps can now be managed in Fri, 14 Aug 2026 12:00:00 GMTApple added help for ads on Apple Maps, covering payment methods, budgets, campaigns, billing and invoices, plus default roles and permissions. Ads are optional and a paid product; your free place card stays in place without them. Decide who on your team may spend money before you assign roles.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-07-28-yelp-152026-07-28-yelp-Yelp Host takes OpenTable bookings and pTue, 28 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTYelp's AI phone agent for restaurants can now book, change and cancel OpenTable reservations by phone, and take pickup orders that connect to POS systems such as Toast, Square and Clover without commission. This opens Yelp Host to restaurants without table service. Yelp lists the price from $249 per month, or $199 for Yelp Guest Manager customers.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-07-01-google-162026-07-01-google-Google flags review replies that break pWed, 01 Jul 2026 12:00:00 GMTGoogle's Business Profile API can now return policy violation details for submitted review replies. If you reply through a tool, a reply that was flagged may show why. Keep replies free of personal data and offers, and edit any reply that was held back.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-06-10-google-172026-06-10-google-Business Profile can be managed by chattWed, 10 Jun 2026 12:00:00 GMTGoogle announced that owners can connect their Business Profile to Gemini to check monthly results, draft review replies, change hours and post updates. It rolls out globally except the EEA and UK. Read every draft before you publish it, since Gemini writes for you but you are responsible for what appears.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-05-28-apple-182026-05-28-apple-Apple adds an Asset Gallery for reusing Thu, 28 May 2026 12:00:00 GMTApple Business now has an Asset Gallery where you can store, find and reuse approved photos. The steps for photos, the cover photo and your first showcase were updated to use it. Upload your best photos once and reuse them across locations.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-04-21-yelp-192026-04-21-yelp-Yelp adds lead status labels and an AI sTue, 21 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTThe Yelp for Business inbox now has status labels and filters for leads, such as contacted, scheduled, in progress and done. Advertisers can ask an AI chatbot in the Business Owner Account about their account and billing, with handoff to a person when needed. Owners without photos on their Yelp page can import images from their website for ads.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-04-14-apple-202026-04-14-apple-Apple Business Connect becomes Apple BusTue, 14 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTApple said its brand tools from Business Connect move into a new, free Apple Business service launching April 14, 2026. Claimed locations and place card details migrate automatically, so you do not need to claim your business again. Sign in after the switch and confirm your hours, photos and contacts.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-04-07-google-212026-04-07-google-Recurring posts can be scheduled throughTue, 07 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTGoogle added an option to schedule recurring posts when creating a post through the Business Profile API. If you use a posting tool, check whether it now supports repeat schedules for weekly specials or events. Review recurring posts now and then so old offers do not keep running.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2026-04-01-google-222026-04-01-google-Review reply moderation status now visibWed, 01 Apr 2026 12:00:00 GMTGoogle's Business Profile API now returns the moderation state of review replies you submit. Tools that use it can show whether a reply is live or still under review. If a reply does not appear, wait for moderation before posting it again.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-11-03-google-232025-11-03-google-Google shuts down the Business Profile QMon, 03 Nov 2025 12:00:00 GMTGoogle discontinued the My Business Q&A API on November 3, 2025, after announcing it on September 15, 2025. Tools can no longer read or post questions and answers through it. If a listing tool handled your Q&A, ask what replaced that feature and keep your FAQs on your website.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-10-21-yelp-242025-10-21-yelp-Yelp launches AI phone agents: Yelp HostTue, 21 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTYelp Host answers calls for table-service restaurants and books, changes or cancels Yelp reservations, starting at $149 per month or $99 for Guest Manager customers. Yelp Receptionist answers calls for other local businesses, collects project details and sends a call summary to your Yelp inbox, starting at $99 per month. Both are set up from a tab in your Yelp for Business account.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-10-03-bing-252025-10-03-bing-Bing Places moves to bing.com/forbusinesFri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTMicrosoft rebuilt Bing Places for Business and moved it from bingplaces.com to bing.com/forbusiness. Existing users are moved automatically when they sign in with their usual credentials. A new recommendation tool suggests missing details such as photos, website and hours.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-10-03-bing-262025-10-03-bing-Bing Places rebuilds its import from GooFri, 03 Oct 2025 12:00:00 GMTBing says the new import flow from Google is faster and keeps business names, hours and contact details more reliably. If you skipped Bing because of earlier import errors, try the import again. Check the result against your Google profile before you publish.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-05-14-apple-272025-05-14-apple-Apple Maps place cards show ratings fromWed, 14 May 2025 12:00:00 GMTApple Maps place cards now show distinctions, descriptions and images from expert sources, starting with MICHELIN in the U.S., with The Infatuation and Golf Digest to follow. Select hotels can also be booked directly in Maps. You cannot edit these expert ratings, but your own place card details still matter.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-04-29-yelp-282025-04-29-yelp-Yelp shows a response quality score for Tue, 29 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMTBusiness owners can see a response quality score in their Yelp for Business profile, with prompts on how to improve replies to new leads. The score appears only after a minimum number of responses. Restaurants on Guest Manager also got a dashboard showing where bookings come from.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-04-01-google-292025-04-01-google-Google posts how-to videos for claiming Tue, 01 Apr 2025 12:00:00 GMTGoogle released Business Profile YouTube videos that walk through claiming a profile and requesting ownership. The same newsletter repeats that WhatsApp and text messaging can be added to your profile, though not in every country. Watch the ownership video before you file a request.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-03-01-google-302025-03-01-google-Review QR codes and links available fromSat, 01 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMTYou can now create a QR code or link from the Ask for reviews option in your Business Profile. Put it at the counter, on receipts or on menus so customers land on your review form. Ask every customer the same way; do not offer rewards for reviews.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-03-01-google-312025-03-01-google-Rejected verification videos now come wiSat, 01 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMTWhen a verification video needs changes, Google now sends an email with what was missing, tips and a link to your listing. Read it, fix what it names and submit a new video. Show your signage, location and proof of management in one continuous recording.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-03-01-google-322025-03-01-google-AI image backgrounds for posts arrive onSat, 01 Mar 2025 12:00:00 GMTProduct Studio can now generate AI backgrounds for photos in your Google Posts. Google says this is only on iOS in Google Maps in the U.S. Make sure the edited photo still shows your real product.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-02-01-google-332025-02-01-google-WhatsApp and text messaging added to BusSat, 01 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMTCustomers can contact you by WhatsApp or text message from your profile on mobile search. Google listed exclusions including the Philippines, Vietnam, Thailand, Taiwan, Japan and Korea. Add it under Edit profile, Contact, Chat, and only if someone will answer.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-02-01-google-342025-02-01-google-Special hours can be copied across multiSat, 01 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMTYou can now copy special hours to other profiles and update them at once instead of one by one. This helps chains set holiday closures quickly. Check each location afterward, since not every branch keeps the same hours.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-02-01-google-352025-02-01-google-Restaurants can reorder menu items by drSat, 01 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMTRestaurants can now rearrange items in their online menu by dragging and dropping them on desktop. Put your most ordered dishes near the top. Remove items you no longer serve.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2025-02-01-google-362025-02-01-google-Google tests AI that calls businesses foSat, 01 Feb 2025 12:00:00 GMTIn a Search Labs experiment called Ask for me, Google AI can call businesses on a customer's behalf to ask about prices and availability. It is U.S. only and limited to select business types such as nail salons and auto repair shops. Keep prices and hours on your profile current so these calls are shorter.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2024-12-01-google-372024-12-01-google-AI review summaries appear on Google MapSun, 01 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTGoogle Maps shows AI summaries of key themes and sentiment from your reviews. Google said this is available in the UK, U.S. and India. You cannot edit the summary, so reply to reviews and fix recurring complaints it points to.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2024-12-01-google-382024-12-01-google-Share products by answering a few questiSun, 01 Dec 2024 12:00:00 GMTGoogle added a way to share what you sell by answering a few quick questions, without a website or feed. It is a fast way to show stock on your profile. Keep answers current when your range changes.https://www.mapmenders.com/changes/#c-2024-11-01-google-392024-11-01-google-Video verification now explains why a viFri, 01 Nov 2024 12:00:00 GMTGoogle now gives feedback and reasons when a verification video is not approved. Fix what the feedback names before recording again. Repeated attempts without changes usually fail the same way.