Apple Maps may include ads starting next year, the report says

Those who use Apple Maps may see ads in the app as early as next year. According to a report From Bloomberg Newsletter. Bulletin author, Mark Gorman, I mentioned previously Apple is working to integrate ads into parts of its iOS mobile software. Maps integration will be part of that larger plan.

Don’t miss any of our unbiased technical content and lab reviews. Add CNET As Google’s preferred source.

The ads will not be pop-ups or commercials. Most likely, Apple will allow businesses to pay for promoted locations that will appear in Maps search results, according to Gorman. But he says in the newsletter that the change could risk backlash from users who are already wary of the number of promotions they see in the Apple Music, TV and News apps.

An Apple representative did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Google Maps, Apple’s main competitor, was Serving ads in its iPhone app since 2009.

With the launch of iOS 26 in September, Apple Maps added a Visited Places feature that tracks the whereabouts of people using the app. Feature selected It can be disabled.