In a recent blog post unveiling the Apple Business platform, Apple has verified that advertisements will appear in Apple Maps shortly. Speculation about broadening the company's advertising efforts beyond the App Store and Apple News surfaced just a day ago, though whispers of potential ads in the mapping application date back to 2022.
Dubbed Ads in Maps, this initiative enables companies to develop promotions that show up during user queries in Maps, positioned at the summit of search outcomes and atop a fresh Suggested Places section. This feature will suggest locations drawing from local trends, past user queries, and additional factors, according to Apple. The service launches for Apple Business subscribers in the United States and Canada this summer, with current Apple Ads participants also eligible to reserve spots in Apple Maps.
Similar to advertisements in the App Store and Apple News, these Maps ads will be distinctly labeled and prioritize user privacy. Interactions with ads or location data won't link to Apple Accounts, keeping personal information on devices without sharing it to external parties or gathering it by Apple.
This gradual push into advertising primarily supports Apple's Services segment, valued over $100 billion, encompassing subscriptions like Apple TV and Apple Music, alongside commissions from App Store in-app transactions and ad revenue. To date, Apple's promotions have been unobtrusive, and preview images from the reveal indicate this approach will continue in Apple Maps.
Integrated within the expansive Apple Business initiative, aimed at businesses of varying scales, the program offers tools such as mobile device management for app distribution and account oversight, plus options to establish professional email, calendar, and website domains via Apple, including the Ads in Maps component.