Apple Maps may soon get ads, letting businesses pay to boost visibility

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Similar to Google Maps, Apple's navigation app could consider boosting paid results

A photo of the Apple Maps app tile displayed on an iPhone screen
(Image credit: Shutterstock)

Apple is reportedly considering introducing advertisements into its Maps app in a move to boost its growing Services revenue, according to an Apple insider.

As per Bloomberg's Power On newsletter, Apple is mulling ways in which it might monetize the navigation app, after an all-hands meeting was called to "explore" the matter. This is not the first time that ads have been pondered for the Apple Maps app. Previous talks were held in 2022, after a report revealed that engineering work was "already underway to launch search ads". At the time, ads were believed to reach the app by 2023, however, that obviously didn’t come to fruition.

As with that 2022 rumour, the current exploration doesn’t mean that advertisements will imminently appear on the navigation app, as no timeline or work has been confirmed. Based on previous advertisement inclusions, there are multiple ways in which the Cupertino company could introduce ads onto the platform.

Increasing Apple's Services revenue in the works

Apple Maps screenshot

(Image credit: Apple)

The introduction of advertisements into Apple Maps appears to be a part of a move to boost Apple's Services revenue. As per Apple Insider, in August 2024, the company had a 51% share in voice in programmatic advertising, up 6% year-on-year, and made around $10 billion in Services revenue from ads alone in 2024.

Bloomberg also suggests that Apple could be looking into introducing ads to its streaming service, Apple TV Plus. The streamer already runs advertisements during MLS and MLB games.

Lucy Scotting
Lucy Scotting
Staff Writer

Lucy Scotting is a digital content writer for Tom’s Guide in Australia, primarily covering NBN and internet-related news. Lucy started her career writing for HR and staffing industry publications, with articles covering emerging tech, business and finance. In her spare time, Lucy can be found watching sci-fi movies, working on her dystopian fiction novel or hanging out with her dog, Fletcher.

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