Apple reportedly preparing to bring ads to Apple Maps in 2026

Apple is planning to introduce paid ads within Apple Maps as soon as 2026, according to Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman. The move would mark a significant expansion of Apple’s in-house advertising efforts across iOS and its ecosystem of services.

The new feature would allow restaurants, retailers, and other local businesses to pay for increased visibility within Apple Maps search results, similar to how sponsored listings function on Google Maps and the App Store. Businesses could promote their locations or appear more prominently when users search for related keywords.

Sources cited by Bloomberg suggest that Apple intends to differentiate its approach by emphasizing relevance and design. The company is reportedly developing an AI-driven system to display personalized and contextually relevant results, aiming to avoid cluttered or intrusive ad placements.

Apple Maps, which has steadily expanded its user base since its 2012 debut, is expected to see this feature roll out in phases, beginning with select markets. The system is said to be in internal testing and could be introduced with a mid-cycle update to iOS 26, potentially in spring 2026.

The initiative is part of Apple’s broader effort to diversify its revenue beyond hardware sales and subscriptions. Ads already appear across several of Apple’s platforms, including the App Store, Apple News, and the Stocks app. The company recently raised prices for some of its subscription services, signaling a stronger focus on recurring and service-based income.

Industry analysts note that integrating advertising into Apple Maps could open a lucrative new channel for Apple’s growing ads business, but it also carries reputational risks. Apple has long positioned itself as a privacy-focused company, often contrasting its approach with data-driven competitors. Some observers warn that adding commercial placements to core iOS apps could prompt consumer backlash—especially as Apple devices command premium prices.

Gurman’s report also suggests that the Apple Maps ad program could be just the first in a series of new ad integrations across Apple’s software lineup. While the company has not publicly confirmed any timeline, the rollout would mark a notable shift in how Apple monetizes its native apps and services.