Apple is exploring the idea of showing search ads in the Apple Maps app. Mark Gurman, an analyst, reported that software engineering was already underway in 2022 to display ads in the app, but Apple did not move forward with the idea at that time. Now, Apple is giving this notion more thought again.
However, the company has not yet started the engineering work necessary to implement the ads, so they might still be a ways away. Unlike traditional banner ads seen on websites, ads in the Apple Maps app would be paid search results. For example, a fast food chain could pay Apple to appear near the top of the search results when a user looks for burgers or fries.
Many similar apps, including Google Maps, Waze, and Yelp, already offer search ads. Apple already displays search ads in the App Store, allowing developers to pay to promote their apps to users searching for relevant keywords.
Apple Maps ads consideration
Ads in the Apple Maps app would further boost Apple’s services revenue. There is no clear timeline for when these search ads might roll out, as engineering efforts for the integration have not yet begun. However, the concept is actively being considered, indicating that it could potentially be developed in the future.
This potential update aims to provide users with more comprehensive navigation options and improve the overall functionality of the app. Industry insiders speculate that Apple could introduce functionalities such as improved traffic data, enhanced public transportation information, and possibly even augmented reality navigation aids. Apple Maps has steadily improved since its initial release, addressing many of the criticisms it faced in its early days.
The incorporation of new features inspired by Google Maps would likely further solidify its standing as a reliable choice for navigation among iOS users. Stay tuned for further updates on this development as Apple continues to refine its mapping application in an effort to meet the needs of its users.
