Apple is considering the possibility of integrating advertising into Apple Maps, as revealed by Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. This isn’t a new idea for the company, as they’ve previously explored similar concepts that led to the introduction of advertising in other apps, such as the App Store. In the App Store, ads are displayed in the search engine and other sections, with apps paying to be at the top of the list when users search for specific terms or enter the store. This process is managed through a service called Apple Search Ads.
The proposed ads in Apple Maps would function as sponsored search results. For instance, a fast food chain could pay to appear at the top of the results when a user searches for terms like “hamburgers” or “fried potatoes.” Notably, these ads would only be shown within Apple applications, meaning they wouldn’t be based on user behavior outside of the Apple ecosystem. This approach is similar to what Google Maps has been doing for some time, where businesses can pay for sponsored listings when users search for specific terms.
It’s worth noting that there’s no concrete date set for the arrival of ads in Apple Maps. According to Gurman, Apple hasn’t started the technical development necessary to implement this feature, which means it could still be a while before we see ads in Apple Maps. As the situation develops, it will be interesting to see how Apple balances the need for revenue with the potential impact on user experience.
Implications for Users and Businesses
The introduction of ads in Apple Maps could have significant implications for both users and businesses. On one hand, businesses may see this as an opportunity to increase their visibility and reach potential customers who are actively searching for products or services like theirs. On the other hand, users may be concerned about the potential for cluttered maps and the privacy implications of targeted advertising.
Privacy Concerns
Given that the ads in Apple Maps would not be based on user behavior outside of the Apple ecosystem, this could be seen as a more privacy-friendly approach compared to other advertising models. However, users may still be wary of any form of advertising that is targeted based on their search history, even if it’s limited to within Apple apps. As Apple moves forward with this plan, they will need to carefully consider how to balance revenue goals with user privacy concerns.
