Gurman Reports That Apple Is Preparing to Sell Ads in Maps Starting in 2026

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce paid advertisements into its Maps app as early as next year. This expansion of advertising follows previous efforts to increase ad presence on iOS. The new advertising model in Maps will allow businesses to pay for prominent placement in search results. This system is expected to mirror the successful advertising model already in use within the App Store. Apple aims to provide a superior user interface compared to competitors like Google. The company will utilize AI to ensure the relevance and usefulness of advertised locations. A significant concern for Apple is the potential for negative consumer reaction. While the author finds App Store ads acceptable due to their clear labeling and restraint, they strongly dislike Apple News ads. These ads are criticized for being low-quality, distracting, repetitive, and overly frequent. The Maps ads may face similar scrutiny if not implemented thoughtfully.