Apple is planning to introduce advertising to Apple Maps search starting in 2026, according to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter. This move is part of a broader initiative to expand advertising across iOS.
The report reveals that Apple’s internal iOS advertising efforts are “gaining traction,” with a concrete plan to bring ads to Apple Maps next year. Businesses will be able to pay for more prominent placements within Apple Maps search results. Gurman notes that this system will be “quite similar” to the way advertising currently works on the App Store, where developers can bid on keywords to appear in search results.
Unlike the App Store, which features ads on its first page, Apple Maps will not initially display ads on the first page of search results. Additionally, Apple plans to leverage AI technology to ensure that ads are “relevant and useful,” aiming to create a user experience that surpasses what Google Maps currently offers, according to Bloomberg.
However, Gurman points out a potential risk for Apple: consumer backlash. Some users are already frustrated that their iPhones have become “digital billboards” for Apple’s own services, such as AppleCare+, Apple Music, Apple TV+, and Fitness+. Adding more ads could amplify these concerns, especially given the premium price of iPhones, which can reach up to $2,000. Many customers see this as a questionable move motivated by revenue rather than enhancing user experience.
While there isn’t a specific launch date yet, the advertising feature in Apple Maps is expected to debut sometime next year, possibly during the spring’s iOS 26.4 or iOS 26.5 update.
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Stay tuned as we prepare for ads coming to Apple Maps in the near future!
https://9to5mac.com/2025/10/26/apple-introducing-search-ads-in-apple-maps-next-year/
