Apple today unveiled a new tool for businesses of all sizes to "claim their seat cards and customize the way important information appears to more than a billion Apple users." The new free service is available now for businesses in the U.S.
Apple announced the launch of Apple Business Connect in a press release announcedIn it, Eddy Cue, Senior Vice President of Services at Apple, explains:
We created Business Connect to provide Apple users around the world with the most accurate information on restaurants, stores, travel destinations, and more. Apple Business Connect gives every business owner the tools they need to connect more directly with their customers and have more control over the way billions of people see and engage with their products and services every day.
Business Connect helps companies not only manage their appearance in Apple Maps but also organize the information displayed in Apple Messages, Wallet, Siri and other apps.

Registration for Apple Business Connect
There’s also a new way for businesses to highlight promotions, discounts, seasonal offers, and more:
The new Showcase feature on the Place Map allows businesses to showcase offers and incentives to their customers, such as seasonal menus, product discounts, and more. Business Connect makes it easy for businesses to update the Showcase section on their Place Map. Showcases are available to businesses in the U.S. starting today and will be available to businesses globally in the coming months.
Apple Business Connect is now available free of charge in the US. You can register on the Apple Landing Page Registration (make sure you use the Apple ID you use for your business). Apple notes that Business Connect also includes an API that works extensively with listing management agencies like Yext, Uberall, SOCi, Rio SEO, and Reputation. (Image: Apple)