Updated
Updated · MacRumors · Aug 25
Apple Launches Maps Ads in 2 Countries With No Opt-Out
Updated
Updated · MacRumors · Aug 25

Apple Launches Maps Ads in 2 Countries With No Opt-Out

3 articles · Updated · MacRumors · Aug 25

Summary

  • Apple Maps ads began appearing in the United States and Canada over the last few days, putting sponsored listings into iPhone and iPad searches with no setting to disable them.
  • One ad appears at the top of each search-results set, and sponsored businesses can also surface in Suggested Places; Apple says placements will ramp up further in coming weeks.
  • Apple labels the listings with a blue "Ad" tag and says ad interactions are not tied to users' Apple Accounts or shared with third parties.
  • Apple opened ad-slot purchases in August with a 15% future-spend credit, while barring categories including home services, bail bonds and cryptocurrency ATMs.

Insights

Why is Apple secretly banning plumbers and roofers from its new Maps ads while letting other local businesses buy their way to the top?
Is Apple using its strict privacy rules as a secret weapon to build a massive, untouchable advertising empire right under our noses?