Apple is considering integrating Foursquare data into its mapping application in an effort to improve information about local businesses and services, as well as keep pace with rivals such as Google.
Apple's senior vice president Eddy Cue has been in discussions with the location-based social network, according to the Wall Street Journal, which cited sources close to the talks on Tuesday.
Foursquare is a four-year-old application with 25 million registered users that helps people to find and 'check in' to certain businesses and other popular locations. Since its launch, the application has gathered business listings and data on the popularity of destinations that could be harnessed by Apple.
While Foursquare was one of the first mobile apps to offer a check-in service, it is now competing with other similar services, such as Facebook's Places.
According to the report, Apple could integrate the location-specific tips people leave on Foursquare into its Maps to set them apart from Google and other competitors.
Apple's navigation application is based on TomTom's mapping services and was launched as part of the iOS 6 update on 1 November. However, it has been criticised over its accuracy, forcing Apple chief executive Tim Cook to publicly apologise .
Prior to this, Apple ran Google-powered maps on its devices. Last week, Google released a new version of Google Maps for iOS that was downloaded more than 10 million times in less than 48 hours .
If Apple can provide its own local information, by partnering with businesses like Yelp, then its users will be able to bypass search services like Google.
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