Trending Now - Apple Maps Set to Launch Advertising Opportunities for Brands

WHO:

Apple Inc. is reportedly preparing to introduce ads in its Maps app.

Apple Inc.

Mark Gurman, Bloomberg journalist

WHAT:

The ads will allow retailers and brands to bid for ad slots against specific search queries, similar to existing ad models in Google Maps and Yelp.

Apple has yet to comment on the introduction of ads in the Maps app.

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce ads in its Maps app.

The ads will allow retailers and brands to bid for coverage against specific search queries.

Apple's services business currently generates $100 billion a year, accounting for around 25 percent of annual revenue.

WHERE:

The ads will appear on iPhones.

WHEN:

An announcement regarding the ads could come as soon as March 2026.

The ads are expected to start appearing in the summer of 2026.

WHY:

The introduction of ads is part of a broader push to generate more revenue from services, which faces challenges due to regulatory pressures on App Store policies.

The introduction of ads is part of a broader push to generate more revenue from services.

The services division faces challenges due to regulatory pressures on App Store policies.

HOW:

The ad implementation is expected to work similarly to ads in Google Maps and Yelp, allowing for bidding on specific search queries.

The ad implementation is expected to work similarly to ads in Google Maps and Yelp.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 23:42 UTC)

Apple Inc. is reportedly getting ready to introduce ads in its Maps app, allowing retailers and brands to bid for ad slots based on specific search queries, much like the models used by Google Maps and Yelp. While Apple has not yet commented on this development, an announcement could come as soon as this month. This move is part of Apple's broader strategy to boost revenue from services amid ongoing regulatory pressures on its App Store policies.

(UPDATED March 23, 2026 19:51 UTC)

Apple is reportedly planning to introduce ads in its Maps app, allowing retailers and brands to bid for coverage against specific search queries. This move is part of a broader strategy to boost revenue from its services division, which currently generates $100 billion a year, but faces challenges from regulatory pressures. An announcement could come as soon as this month, with the ads expected to start appearing on iPhones in the summer.