Apple Maps launches ads on iPhone, here’s what’s new
Apple has released the iPhone Duo, a book-style foldable smartphone with a wide inner screen. The device is available in the US for $1,999 to $3,199 and in the UK for £1,999 to £3,199. This launch occurs alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The company also introduced sponsored business ads in Apple Maps for users in Canada and the US, signaling a potential shift toward integrating advertising across more iPhone features.
What changed
Marketing for the iPhone Duo is facing comparisons to Microsoft's 2020 Surface Duo promotional materials.
Live updates
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Apple launches foldable iPhone Duo alongside iPhone 18 series
Apple has released the iPhone Duo, a book-style foldable smartphone with a wide inner screen. The device is available in the US for $1,999 to $3,199 and in the UK for £1,999 to £3,199. This launch occurs alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. The company also introduced sponsored business ads in Apple Maps for users in Canada and the US, signaling a potential shift toward integrating advertising across more iPhone features.
Why it matters
The move into foldables represents a new hardware category for Apple. The simultaneous rollout of Maps advertising suggests a strategy to increase service revenue through targeted business promotions.
What is confirmed
- The iPhone Duo is a book-style foldable smartphone with a wide inner screen.
- US pricing for the iPhone Duo ranges from $1,999 to $3,199.
- UK pricing for the iPhone Duo ranges from £1,999 to £3,199.
- Apple launched sponsored business ads in Apple Maps for users in the US and Canada.
Still unconfirmed
- iPhone Duo marketing borrows the name, modes, pitch, and pen from Microsoft's Surface Duo.
- Apple may extend its advertising model to other iPhone features.
What to watch next
- Expansion of Apple Maps ads to users outside the US and Canada
- Official response from Apple regarding Surface Duo marketing similarities
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Apple expands hardware lineup with foldable iPhone Duo and potential ad growth
Apple has launched the iPhone Duo, its first foldable smartphone featuring a book-style design with a wide inner screen. The device is priced between $1,999 and $3,199 in the US, while UK prices range from £1,999 to £3,199. This release coincides with the iPhone 18 Pro and Pro Max. Following the introduction of sponsored business ads in Apple Maps for US and Canadian users, the company may be extending its advertising model to other iPhone features.
Why it matters
Apple is diversifying its hardware form factors and monetizing its ecosystem through targeted advertising. The pricing discrepancy for the Duo suggests significant regional market variance. These moves follow a strategy to retain users via extended satellite feature access for older models.
What is confirmed
- The iPhone Duo is Apple's first foldable smartphone and features a book-style design.
- US pricing for the iPhone Duo ranges from $1,999 to $3,199.
- UK pricing for the iPhone Duo ranges from £1,999 to £3,199.
- Apple introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
- Apple Maps now includes sponsored business ads for users in Canada and the United States.
Still unconfirmed
- Apple may be preparing to introduce sponsored images for Visual Intelligence on the iPhone based on ad-related code in an iOS 27 build.
What to watch next
- Official confirmation of advertising in Visual Intelligence
- Release of iPhone Duo in additional international markets
- User adoption rates of the foldable form factor compared to the iPhone 18 Pro
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Apple launches foldable Duo and iPhone 18 Pro models
Apple unveiled its latest iPhone generation on Wednesday, including its first foldable device, the Duo. Alongside the Duo, the company introduced the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. To support existing customers, Apple is granting an additional year of free satellite feature access to users with iPhone 14, 15, and 16 models, provided the devices were activated in supported countries before midnight Pacific Time on September 9. These hardware releases follow the company's recent move into sponsored business ads within Apple Maps for users in the United States and Canada.
Why it matters
CEO John Ternus led this presentation as his first major test in the role. The introduction of foldable hardware marks a shift in Apple's device strategy. This expansion occurs as Apple simultaneously grows its services revenue through new advertising channels.
What is confirmed
- Apple unveiled the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max on Wednesday.
- Apple introduced its first foldable phone, called Duo.
- iPhone 14, 15, and 16 users receive one additional year of free satellite access if activated in supported countries before midnight Pacific Time on September 9.
What to watch next
- Consumer sales data for the Duo foldable phone
- Details on the pricing for the iPhone 18 Pro lineup
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CEO John Ternus to lead Apple event featuring foldable iPhone Ultra
Apple CEO John Ternus will unveil the company's latest iPhone lineup at an event today, Wednesday, September 9. The presentation is expected to introduce the iPhone Ultra, Apple's first foldable device, alongside the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This event serves as the first major test for Ternus in his role as CEO. The hardware launch follows a recent expansion of Apple's advertising business, which now includes sponsored business ads in Apple Maps for users in Canada and the United States.
Why it matters
The introduction of a foldable iPhone marks a shift in Apple's hardware strategy to compete with devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 8 and Xiaomi 18 Fold. This transition occurs as the company integrates advertising into its ecosystem, bypassing Apple One subscriptions.
What is confirmed
- John Ternus is the new CEO of Apple.
- Apple is hosting an event on Wednesday, September 9, to unveil its latest iPhone lineup.
- Apple Maps now shows sponsored business ads in Suggested Places and search results for users in Canada and the United States.
- Apple Maps advertisements remain active regardless of Apple One subscriptions or standard settings.
Still unconfirmed
- Apple will launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max.
What to watch next
- Market reaction to John Ternus's first major product keynote.
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Apple to hold "surprise and shine" event this Wednesday
Apple will host its "surprise and shine" event this Wednesday, where it is widely expected to reveal the iPhone Ultra, its first foldable device. The company is also anticipated to launch the iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max. This follows the recent rollout of sponsored business ads in Apple Maps search results and Suggested Places for users in the United States and Canada. These advertisements remain active regardless of standard settings or Apple One subscriptions.
Why it matters
Apple is facing pressure to enter the foldable market as Samsung and Google have already released several generations of such devices. The timing coincides with conflicting reports regarding the release schedule of the iPhone 18 series.
Still unconfirmed
- Apple may launch the foldable iPhone Ultra this Wednesday.
- The iPhone 18 Pro and iPhone 18 Pro Max may be launched this Wednesday.
What to watch next
- Wednesday's "surprise and shine" event results
- Official confirmation of iPhone 18 pricing and availability
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Apple Maps Ads Launch Amid iPhone 18 Release Uncertainty
Apple Maps now displays sponsored business ads in search results and Suggested Places for users in Canada and the United States. These advertisements cannot be removed through Apple One subscriptions or standard settings. While the company prepares for a September event featuring a folding phone, reports conflict on whether the iPhone 18 will launch. Some sources indicate the iPhone 18 release is imminent, prompting price cuts for the iPhone 17 Pro Max, while others suggest the iPhone 18 may not be released this year.
Why it matters
The monetization of Maps occurs during a leadership shift with John Ternus as CEO and Tim Cook moving to a chair role. This marks a departure from Apple's traditional ad-free approach to core utility apps. Third-party developers like Land id are simultaneously expanding the platform's utility via CarPlay for real estate professionals.
Still unconfirmed
- The iPhone 18 might not be released this year.
- Apple is expected to announce a folding phone at its September event next week.
What to watch next
- Apple's official September product event announcements
- Confirmation of iPhone 18 release date and specifications
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Apple Maps monetizes via sponsored ads amid CEO transition
Apple Maps now integrates sponsored business advertisements in search results and Suggested Places for users in the United States and Canada. These ads cannot be removed via standard settings or Apple One subscriptions. This monetization effort coincides with a leadership transition as John Ternus takes over as CEO and Tim Cook moves into a chair role. The company is preparing for a large September product launch including the iPhone 18 Pro, while third-party developers like Land id are expanding Maps functionality through CarPlay integrations for real estate professionals.
Why it matters
Apple is shifting toward increasing recurring services revenue after years of refining existing hardware. The current leadership change marks the beginning of the Ternus era. This strategy aligns with a broader push to monetize the ecosystem beyond device sales.
What is confirmed
- Apple Maps displays sponsored business advertisements in Suggested Places and at the top of search results for users in Canada and the United States.
- Users cannot disable Maps advertisements through standard device settings or an Apple One subscription.
- John Ternus has transitioned into the role of CEO.
- Tim Cook has moved into a chair role.
Still unconfirmed
- Land id launched an Apple CarPlay integration providing parcel boundaries and owner data to real estate agents.
What to watch next
- Official reveal of iPhone 18 Pro, Apple Watches, and AirPods
- Market reaction to John Ternus' first CEO memo
- Further updates to Apple Maps monetization features
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Apple Maps introduces sponsored business ads in US and Canada
Apple Maps now displays sponsored business advertisements to users in Canada and the United States. These ads appear within Suggested Places and at the top of search results. Users cannot disable these advertisements through standard device settings, and an Apple One subscription does not remove them. This move is part of a broader strategy by Apple to monetize the Maps application and increase its services revenue.
Why it matters
The shift marks a departure from the previously ad-free experience of Apple Maps. It aligns with a corporate goal to diversify income streams beyond hardware sales.
What to watch next
- Expansion of Map ads to additional global markets
- Introduction of user-facing ad preference controls
- Financial reports detailing the impact of Maps monetization on services revenue
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Apple Maps rolls out unremovable ads on iPhone
Apple Maps has started showing ads to users in the US and Canada, appearing as sponsored businesses at the top of search results and within Suggested Places. These ads cannot be disabled through standard settings, and a subscription to Apple One does not remove them. This change follows Apple's announcement to monetize the Maps application to grow its services revenue.
Why it matters
The introduction of ads on Apple Maps is part of Apple's strategy to increase its services revenue. This move has sparked concerns among users, with some considering switching to Google Maps. The ads are currently rolling out in the US and Canada, with plans for further expansion.
What is confirmed
- Ads on Apple Maps appear as sponsored businesses at the top of search results and within Suggested Places.
- Users cannot disable these ads through standard settings.
- A subscription to Apple One does not remove these ads.
- The ads are currently rolling out in the US and Canada.
What to watch next
- Apple's plans for expanding ads to other regions
- User reaction and potential impact on Apple's services revenue
- Possible updates to Apple Maps settings to allow ad removal
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Apple Maps deploys sponsored listings in US and Canada
Apple is rolling out paid business listings within Apple Maps for users in the United States and Canada. These advertisements appear as sponsored businesses at the top of search results and within Suggested Places. Users cannot disable these ads through standard settings, and a subscription to Apple One does not remove them. This move follows a previous announcement that the company intended to monetize the Maps application to grow its services revenue. Some users are now considering switching to Google Maps due to the change.
Why it matters
This launch marks the first time Apple has introduced paid business listings inside the Maps app. The company is seeking to diversify its income streams by increasing revenue from its services sector.
What is confirmed
- Apple Maps is rolling out sponsored listings to users in the United States and Canada.
- Users have no option to disable these advertisements.
- Sponsored listings appear at the top of search results and within Suggested Places.
What to watch next
- Expansion of the ad rollout to markets outside the US and Canada
- Introduction of user-controlled ad preferences or opt-out settings
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (4)
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Apple Maps Launches Sponsored Ads in US and Canada
Apple has begun rolling out sponsored advertisements for iPhone and iPad users in the United States and Canada. These contextual ads appear as sponsored businesses at the top of search results and within Suggested Places, marked by an ad icon. Users currently have no option to disable these advertisements. The rollout follows an announcement earlier this year regarding the monetization of the Maps application to increase services revenue. Some users have expressed dissatisfaction with the change, with some considering alternatives like Google Maps.
Why it matters
Apple previously maintained an ad-free experience for Maps users. This shift toward monetization began with internal considerations in early 2025 to strengthen services revenue.
What is confirmed
- Apple Maps ads are appearing for iPhone and iPad users in the United States and Canada.
- Sponsored results appear at the top of search results and in Suggested Places labeled with an ad icon.
- There is currently no way for users to turn off these advertisements.
- The ads are contextual based on the user experience.
Still unconfirmed
- Apple was considering strengthening services revenue by monetizing Maps at the start of 2025.
What to watch next
- Expansion of ads to markets outside the US and Canada
- Introduction of user settings to opt out of sponsored results
- Official revenue reports detailing the impact of Maps monetization
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (17)
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