Apple is reportedly preparing to roll out advertisements on its Maps app as early as next year, marking a major shift in how users and businesses interact with the platform.
According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company aims to give paying businesses — such as restaurants and local stores — more prominent placement in search results.
The new plan was revealed in Bloomberg’s Power On newsletter, which stated that Apple’s Maps app could soon include ads that highlight businesses willing to pay for greater visibility.
While Apple Maps has long served as a navigation tool, the addition of ads would align it more closely with platforms like Google Maps and Yelp, which already allow businesses to promote themselves through sponsored listings.
Ads driven by AI
According to Gurman, Apple intends to rely on artificial intelligence to deliver more relevant and accurate search results, improving the overall user experience. The company reportedly wants its Maps interface to remain cleaner and less intrusive compared to traditional ad-heavy platforms.
These AI-driven ads would appear subtly within the app — potentially when users search for nearby restaurants, cafés, or service providers — making them feel like part of the organic results rather than overt promotions.
Expanding advertising ecosystem
This move fits into Apple’s broader strategy to expand its advertising ecosystem. The tech giant already sells ad placements within the App Store, where developers can pay for higher visibility in user searches.
Bloomberg reports that Apple could also extend ads to other native apps, including News, Books, and Podcasts, as part of its growing focus on services revenue.
Gurman previously noted that Apple began exploring advertising opportunities across its platforms back in 2022, indicating that the company has been gradually preparing for this expansion.
