Written By Divya
Apple Maps App To Get Ads SOON; Beginning Of ‘Ad Fatigue’ For iPhone Users?
Apple is reportedly planning to bring ads to its Maps app by 2026, allowing local businesses to pay for better visibility. This step could spark user backlash over growing ads across iPhones.
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? 
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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: Apple Tipped To Launch iPhone Fold In 2026, iPhone 20 In 2027, And iPhone Flip In 2028
Why Apple Is Doing This
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: How To Set Up Apple Watch’s New Hypertension Notification Feature On Older Models
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!
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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.
