- Ads are coming to Apple Maps in North America this summer.
- They’ll show up in search results and a suggested places section.
- Sponsored places will have a blue “Ad” icon placed next to them.
Apple Maps has come a long way since its disastrous launch in 2012. A countless number of updates and improvements have transformed the service into a capable alternative to Google Maps.
Unfortunately, ads are coming. While this was likely inevitable, the new Apple Business initiative will empower companies to “grow their reach and connect with local customers across Apple Maps, Mail, Wallet, Siri, and more.”
More: Google Maps Biggest Update In A Decade Looks Great And Can Even Plan Trips
Apple Business is being launched on April 14 and will be available in more than 200 countries and regions. However, we’re more interested in ads that are coming to Maps in the United States and Canada this summer.
According to the tech giant, businesses will be able to place ads that show up during “key search and discovery moments.” This includes in search results as well as in a new Suggested Places section. The latter will display recommendations based on a variety of factors including your recent search history and what’s trending nearby.
Apple is pitching ads as a powerful business tool that can reach customers as they’re actively looking for new places and things to try. Besides making it easier to find your company, customers will be able to “call, navigate, order, and more from where they’re viewing your ad.”
In order to place ads, companies will need to sign up for Apple Business and claim their location on Maps. Once that’s done, they’ll be able to “access a fully automated experience of creating ads … in a few simple steps.”
Specifics are still a little hazy, but Apple said ads will be clearly marked to ensure transparency. In the example put out by the tech titan, sponsored results have a small blue “Ad” tag next to them.
The company also promised ads won’t interfere with privacy as the spots you see and interact with in Maps won’t be tied to your Apple Account. The company also said they don’t know which stores, neighborhoods, or clinics you visit, and Maps doesn’t require people to sign in to use.
