The new iPhone 5 will ship this Autumn with new operating software. It could upset your local search marketing. iPhone 5 will have new maps, developed by Apple, maybe with a 3D mapping feature. Up to now they’ve used Google Maps.

What does this mean for your website and SEO?

Well, your Google Places Page won’t display on new iPhones ands iPads after the launch. Instead, we’re told, Apple will get its local business listings from Yelp, a global Internet directory. Maybe old devices will be upgraded, too.

So, be sure to claim your Yelp business listing now, if you haven’t already done so!

If you have claimed it, make sure it complements your website and and Google Places page, and that you’re happy with the content.

Don’t use Google Places? Get started here.

More on this in our later Apple Maps post, after implementation.