Overview
- Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman reports Apple aims to introduce promoted placements in Apple Maps search starting in 2026, though no public timeline is set.
- Restaurants and other local businesses would be able to pay to appear more prominently for relevant queries, mirroring App Store Search Ads.
- At launch, placements are expected to appear only within search results, with no ads on the Maps home screen, according to the report.
- Apple plans to use its ranking systems and AI to keep paid results useful and clearly labeled, with an interface reportedly superior to rivals like Google Maps.
- Coverage frames the move as part of Apple’s broader push to expand advertising across iOS, with the possibility of a spring debut discussed but not confirmed.