Apple is reportedly preparing to introduce ads in Apple Maps as early as spring 2026. According to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, the company plans to let restaurants, small businesses, and other local stores pay to appear more prominently in search results within the Maps app.
The move marks Apple’s first major step toward expanding advertisements across iOS, following similar promotions already available in the App Store. Apple may use AI to make these ads more personalized and relevant to users.
While the feature could help businesses boost visibility, it might also face strong backlash from iPhone users who already pay a premium for their devices and expect an ad-free experience. This shift comes shortly after Apple raised subscription prices for its Apple TV service, hinting that the company is looking for new ways to increase revenue across its ecosystem.