In a major shift to boost its services revenue, Apple has announced plans to bring ads to Apple Maps.
The move, starting in the U.S. and Canada later this summer, is part of a broader push to expand its business ecosystem.
Apple confirmed on Tuesday that advertisers will soon be able to target users on Apple Maps.
The ads will appear alongside relevant search results, making it easier for businesses to reach customers actively looking for nearby services or locations.
The feature will be open to businesses of all sizes—provided they have a physical location and an existing listing on Apple Maps.
Users will only see one ad per search, ensuring that the experience remains uncluttered.
Apple says the ads will be clearly distinguishable from organic results.
They will feature a small blue halo around the map pin and will be labeled as ads in the “Suggested Places” list—similar to how ads are displayed on the App Store.
Bringing ads to one of Apple’s flagship apps could unlock a significant new income stream for the company.
With users already accustomed to ads on platforms like Google Maps, Apple’s move is unlikely to come as a surprise. The expansion could add billions to its growing global advertising business.
Privacy remains a key focus
Apple emphasized that its ad system is designed with privacy in mind.
The company said that user data related to ad interactions will not be linked to Apple accounts. Personal data will remain on the device and will not be collected, stored, or shared with third parties.
How businesses can run ads
To create a campaign, businesses must first set up a listing on Apple Maps.
They can then upload images, add promotional messages, and set a budget. Apple uses automated systems to match ads with relevant user searches.
Bigger advertisers will have access to additional customization tools.
These include scheduling ads for specific times and targeting particular locations. The system will operate on an auction-based pricing model, where advertisers pay only for outcomes like views or taps.
‘Apple business’ platform launched
Alongside its advertising push, Apple unveiled a revamped suite of business tools under a single platform called Apple Business.
This new system combines several existing services into one unified offering.
What’s included?
The platform integrates tools such as:
- Email and calendar services under a company’s domain
- An employee directory
- Device management tools for businesses
Previously separate services like Apple Business Connect, Apple Business Essentials, and Apple Business Manager will now fall تحت one umbrella.
Global rollout and pricing
Apple Business will be available in 200 countries and regions starting April 14, 2026.
Each employee account will include 5 GB of free iCloud storage. U.S. businesses can upgrade plans starting at $0.99 per user per month, with storage options going up to 2 TB.
Additional support through AppleCare+ for Business will also be available, starting at $6.99 per month.
Apple is also making its device management (MDM) tools free, adding new features for app distribution.
Smaller businesses can use preconfigured “Blueprints” to set up employee devices without technical expertise, while larger firms can manage deployments through APIs.
