Apple is reportedly planning to roll out ads within its Apple Maps app as soon as next year, according to a report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman.
According to Gurman’s report, Apple will allow restaurants, small enterprises, and retail shops to pay for better visibility in the Apple Maps app. These sponsored results will be more visible in the search results, similar to how Google Maps displays promoted locations.
This move is part of Apple’s broader plan to integrate ads within iOS services, as it allows the company to enhance its services revenue. It can also use AI-based ad targeting to make the advertisements shown to users more relevant.
Currently, Apple already runs ads in the App Store, where developers can bid on keywords to promote their apps. Adding ads to Maps appears to be the next logical step in expanding Apple’s advertising network.
While Apple’s new plan could open up new revenue streams, it can be the source of user backlash. Android manufacturers like Samsung and Xiaomi already face criticism for displaying ads in their UIs, but they defend it by offering affordable gadgets.
However, Apple sells premium iPhones at a high price, and adding ads to the iOS experience might be seen as invasive. Critics believe that users who spend more than $1000 for an iPhone should have to deal with sponsored content in their apps.
Gurman did not give a confirmed date but suggested that Apple Maps ads may start appearing around spring 2026.
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