Apple is said to be gearing up to launch advertising within Apple Maps by 2026, as noted in the Power On newsletter by Mark Gurman. This move is part of a wider strategy to bolster advertising across iOS platforms.
The internal advertising endeavor is reportedly gaining traction, with Apple preparing to enable businesses to pay for enhanced visibility in Apple Maps search results. This advertising approach is anticipated to mirror the current system on the App Store, where developers can bid on keywords to elevate their app’s visibility. However, unlike the App Store, there are no plans at this time to feature ads on the main page of Apple Maps.
To guarantee the relevance and utility of the ads, Apple plans to leverage artificial intelligence, striving to provide a better user experience compared to competitors like Google Maps.
Despite the potential advantages, there are worries about possible consumer backlash. Many users are already frustrated with what they perceive as the commercialization of the iPhone, which has been labeled a “digital billboard” for various Apple services. The addition of ads in Apple Maps might intensify these feelings, especially considering the high price of iPhones, which can go up to $2,000.
As Apple prepares to unveil this feature, it is expected that ads in Apple Maps could make their debut in the spring of 2026, potentially coinciding with the launch of iOS 26.4 or 26.5. The precise timeline is still unclear, but this move indicates a considerable change in how Apple approaches advertising within its ecosystem.
