What new APIs for Mapkit are out? What's the best way to get a PlaceMark ID?
Asked on 2025-06-30
•@wwdc251 search
At WWDC 2025, Apple introduced several new APIs for MapKit, including the "Place Descriptor" in a new framework called GeoToolbox. This allows developers to find and reference places more effectively, even when a MapKit identifier is not available. The Place Descriptor can include a common name, an array of representations (such as coordinates or addresses), and supporting service identifiers, which can be used to interact with other mapping services.
To get a PlaceMark ID, you can use the Place Descriptor to create a MapItemRequest. This request can then be executed to obtain an MKMapItem, which is the core type for places in MapKit. The MKMapItem can be used with various MapKit APIs to access rich data about the place.
For more details, you can refer to the session Go further with MapKit (00:00:00).
Go further with MapKit
Discover the latest updates to MapKit and MapKit JS. We’ll introduce a new type of directions — cycling — and show you how to enable 3D Look Around imagery on the web. Learn how the new Geocoding API supports conversion between coordinates and addresses, and how to use the Address Representations API to get the most appropriate address for a region. Then we’ll wrap it up with a new way of referencing places that ensures your app will work seamlessly with App Intents.
What’s new in watchOS 26
Discover the new features in watchOS 26 and learn how to integrate them into your watchOS and iOS apps. Explore the ARM64 architecture, and dive into the new design system. We’ll also share updates for widgets and insights on how to bring controls to Apple Watch.