Apple Maps Ads Expected Next Year
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Apple Maps Set to Display Ads as Early as 2025
WhatS Happening?
Apple is planning to introduce advertising within its maps application, possibly as early as 2025. This marks a significant shift for the traditionally ad-free Apple ecosystem and follows previous reports of advertising expansion within other Apple services.
the news, initially reported by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman, builds on earlier reporting from August 2022, detailing Apple’s broader strategy to integrate advertising into several of its core apps, including Maps, TV, and Books.
The Broader Advertising Strategy
Apple’s move into advertising isn’t a sudden decision. It’s a calculated effort to diversify revenue streams, especially as growth in hardware sales slows. The company is aiming to generate billions in advertising revenue annually. This strategy is particularly notable given Apple’s past emphasis on user privacy, raising questions about how advertising will be implemented without compromising those principles.
Currently, apple’s advertising revenue is relatively small compared to tech giants like Google and Meta. Though, Apple has a massive installed base of over 1.8 billion active devices worldwide (as of January 2024,Statista), presenting a significant potential audience for advertisers.
Where Else Might We See Ads?
While Maps is the first confirmed expansion, Apple is also exploring advertising opportunities in:
- App Store: Advertisements are already appearing in App Store search results, labeled as “Apps You Might Also Like.”
- Apple TV+: Potential for ads within or alongside content.
- Books: Advertisements within the Books app.
- Podcasts: Exploring advertising options within its podcast platform.
How Will Ads in Apple Maps Work?
Details are still emerging, but gurman’s reporting suggests the ads will be integrated into search results within Apple Maps. Businesses will likely be able to pay to have their locations highlighted when users search for relevant categories, such as “restaurants” or “gas stations.”
Apple is expected to prioritize privacy-focused advertising techniques.This could involve using localized privacy systems, meaning Apple won’t track individual users across apps and the web to deliver targeted ads. Rather, ads will likely be based on broad search terms and location data.
Potential Ad Formats
| Ad format | Description | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsored Pins | Highlighted business locations in search results. | A local pizza restaurant appearing at the top of a “pizza near me” search. |
| Sponsored Listings | Advertisements integrated into category listings. | A hotel chain appearing prominently in a list |