Written By Divya
Edited By: Divya | Published By: Divya | Published: Oct 27, 2025, 04:43 PM (IST)
Apple Maps Are Tipped To Get Ads Soon. All Details Here.
It looks like Apple is set to bring ads to a new corner of your iPhone! As per the latest report by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the Apple Maps app is expected to get paid ads starting in 2026. This will provide restaurants, stores, and other local businesses the chance to appear more prominently when you search nearby. But isn’t it is set to begin the “ad fatigue” to iPhone users? Also Read: Black Friday Deal Alert: iPhone Air Gets A Rs 11,000 Price Cut On Croma
As per the report, the move is similar to the Search Ads inside the App Store, where developers pay for their app or software to appear in the searches as promoted content. However, Apple reportedly wants the whole experience to look cleaner and more refined than what Google Maps does. This could be the AI-driven suggestions for you. Also Read: Spotify Adds Built-In Tool To Bring Playlists From Apple Music, YouTube Music, More: Here's How
But the bigger question is — why Apple is doing this. The answer may hide in the tech giant’s approach over the past few years. Apple’s ad business has been expanding in the past few years, and now it seems to be expanding to Maps soon to boost revenue. Also Read: Apple Black Friday Sale 2025: iPhone 13 To iPhone 17 Pro Max - Best iPhone Deals You Shouldn’t Miss
But the fact that Apple has always positioned itself as a brand that values privacy, security, and simplicity, the ads in Maps seem like the tables have turned! Turning a utility app like Maps into a space for sponsored listings could blur that line and make some people uncomfortable.
And not everyone is indeed encouraging this step, except advertisers! Many iPhone users already complain about how Apple nudges them toward its own services – like Apple Music, TV+, or iCloud – through pop-ups and prompts across the system. The idea of seeing “promoted” restaurants or stores while simply searching for directions might feel like one push too far. And let’s be honest, when you’re paying close to Rs 2 lakh for an iPhone Pro, seeing more ads on it doesn’t exactly sound appealing!
However, we will have to see if Apple will really pull this move to bring ads to the Maps app or it will be just a topic of discussion.