Apple has officially confirmed it will bring ads to Apple Maps, turning earlier reports into a clear product strategy tied to its new Apple Business platform.
The announcement came through a press release, where the company introduced Apple Business as a unified solution for companies. With this platform, businesses will soon be able to run local ads directly on Apple Maps. The rollout will begin later this summer, starting with users in the US and Canada.
Ads on Apple Maps will appear at the top of search results. These placements will depend on what users search for. In addition, Apple is adding a Suggested Places feature. This tool will recommend locations based on different signals. However, the company says all ads will be clearly labeled to maintain transparency.
At the same time, Apple is stressing its privacy approach. The company confirmed that Maps ads will follow the same strict privacy standards. User data will stay on-device and will not be stored or shared with third parties.
Apple Business goes beyond advertising. It combines all tools previously available under Apple Business Connect into one platform. Businesses will be able to manage devices, connect with users, and access support in one place.
Moreover, the platform will allow companies to create a custom email, directory service, and calendar. These services will run on their own domain, giving businesses more control over operations.
Apple also shared a global timeline. Apple Business will be available in over 200 countries starting April 14.
