Apple plans to introduce advertisements in Apple Maps as early as next year, according to Bloomberg reporter Mark Gurman. The ads will enable restaurants and other brick-and-mortar businesses to pay for promotion within search results, mirroring features in Google Maps and similar applications.
Gurman notes that Apple currently operates advertisements in the App Store. This development in Apple Maps forms part of a wider initiative to expand advertising throughout the iOS ecosystem, allowing more revenue generation from targeted promotions.
To set itself apart from competitors, Apple intends to implement an improved user interface for these ads. The company will also employ artificial intelligence to deliver search results that remain relevant and non-intrusive to users navigating the app.
Gurman raises a concern about user response, stating, “The question… is whether Apple device owners will start to rebel as Apple devices and apps increasingly become billboards trying to convince you to pay for more Apple services.” This reflects potential user resistance to growing commercial elements in Apple’s products.
