If you are an Apple fan, you better be ready for some more good news. Apple, as per reports, is planning to include Yelp integration in its new Maps application in iOS 6.
What the introduction of Yelp will do is that it will enable users to check in to different locations and businesses directly using the Yelp service on the Maps application, without the need to open the Yelp app.
Moreover, by being the default check-in app for Maps on iOS, Yelp could see a major increase in engagement and check-in activity following the integration. This can be assumed given the massive iOS user base and the significantly higher average internet and app usage among them.
Apple, however, has already integrated Yelp's functionality in iOS 5.1. This helps in returning results powered by Yelp whenever users search for recommendations on local businesses using Siri. It also started directing all requests for reviews and ratings directly to Yelp's mobile site.
According to a report by The Street, this could become a major traffic driver for Yelp, taking into account the millions of iPhones sold to date, and also increase visitor engagement levels. Since Yelp's entire business depends on the number of users actively using it, this could prove to be an interesting as well as a very positive development.
What’s more, since local and display advertising account for nearly 65 percent of Yelp's total value, its revenue growth is definitely going to be helped by any increase in the number of visitors.
