Apple Maps launches ads on iPhone, here’s what’s new
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.
What changed
The rollout of ads on Apple Maps has begun, with users in the US and Canada being the first to see them.
Live updates
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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
confidence 100%Sources used for this update (5)
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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)
- 9to5google.com — Everyone’s talking to their phones again
- www.techrepublic.com — Apple Maps Ads Are Here: What iPhone Users Need to Know
- mashable.com — Looking for an off switch? Apple offers no way to remove ads from Maps
- finance.yahoo.com — Apple Maps Ads Go Live for iPhone Users in US, Canada
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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)
- MacRumors — Apple Maps Ads Are Here, and There's No Way to Turn Them Off
- 9to5Mac — Apple Maps launches ads on iPhone, here’s what’s new
- Notebookcheck — The ad-free era of Apple Maps is finally over for iPhone users
- Appleosophy — Apple Maps Launches Ads Across US and Canada
- bgr.com — Can You Turn Off Ads In Apple Maps?
- PhoneArena — Apple Maps vs Google Maps: Apple's latest "upgrade" makes the winner obvious
- mashable.com — Apple Maps ads are live. Here's what they look like
- www.cultofmac.com — Apple Maps ads go live on iPhone, and some users aren’t happy
- www.autoevolution.com — Apple Maps Starts Showing Ads, So iPhone 18 Should Be Cheaper, Right?
- chromeunboxed.com — Google is prepping your phone apps for Googlebook with a new Play Services update
- www.theverge.com — Apple Maps has ads now
- 9to5mac.com — Ads have landed in Apple Maps, and they are as bad as expected