Apple is ready to turn its Maps app into an advertising platform, according to a new report. The move signals a clear push to generate more revenue from one of its most widely used services. An official announcement could arrive as early as this month.
Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports, citing sources familiar with the matter, that ads in Apple Maps will follow a model similar to Google Maps. In other words, businesses will be able to pay for better visibility inside search results. Apple has not publicly confirmed the plan, but the details suggest an advanced stage of development.
Under the reported system, brands and retailers will bid on specific keywords and placements. When users search for terms like “The Buns restaurant,” sponsored listings could appear at the top of the results. For example, Tim Hortons or nearby coffee chains that bid on that keyword may show up first. As a result, paid placements would sit alongside regular search results inside the app.
The report also states that these ads will not be limited to one device. They are expected to appear across iOS, iPadOS, and macOS versions of Apple Maps. In addition, users accessing Apple Maps through its web app will also see sponsored results.
