According to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, Apple is preparing to introduce advertisements in its Apple Maps app as early as next year. This would mark the company’s first major move toward integrating ads within iOS. Yes, ads on iOS might soon become a reality.
How Apple Maps Will Display Ads to Its Users?
Apple appears to be adopting a strategy similar to Google Maps, planning to let restaurants, local businesses, and retail outlets pay for better visibility. These paid listings would help them appear more frequently in search results within the Maps app, as per Gurman’s report.
This initiative aligns with Apple’s broader push to expand advertising across its ecosystem, especially within its own services. The company could also leverage AI to deliver more personalized and relevant ads. Currently, Apple already allows developers to promote their apps through paid placements on the App Store, so this move seems like a natural extension of its advertising model.
However, there’s a significant concern about user backlash. Android manufacturers often face criticism for inserting ads into their interfaces but defend the practice by offering devices at much lower prices. In contrast, Apple’s premium pricing makes the idea of ads within the UI potentially unappealing to its users.
While Gurman did not specify an exact release date, he believes ads could appear on Apple Maps by spring 2026. Following the recent Apple TV+ price hike, the company seems to be exploring new revenue streams to boost its earnings.
