Apple Maps Could Feature Integrated Ads as Soon as Next Year, Gurman Says
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, in his Power On newsletter, says Apple is accelerating plans to bring more ads to iOS, with Maps as the next target. The idea would let restaurants and other businesses pay to have their details shown more prominently in Maps search results. The setup would resemble App Store Search Ads, where paid placements appear above organic results for relevant queries. Apple reportedly plans to use AI to surface relevant, useful results in a smoother interface than competitors like Google, though Gurman cautions there could be consumer pushback.
- How it would work: Businesses could pay to elevate their listings in Maps search results, appearing in a promoted slot when users search for related terms.
- Expected benefits and approach: The system would leverage AI to deliver pertinent results and aim for a cleaner, more user-friendly experience than existing ad offerings in similar apps.
- Risks and reception: The move could trigger consumer backlash and concerns about how much advertising is seeping into Maps and other iOS features.
- Timeline: The ads initiative is described as moving into production soon, potentially taking effect as soon as next year.
Gurman’s reporting emphasizes a broader push to monetize iOS beyond apps, with Maps leading the charge. While Apple would likely aim to balance commercial interests with a quality user experience, the changes could reshape how users discover nearby businesses through the Maps app.