Apple Opens Maps Ads in U.S., Targeting 1 Billion Monthly Business Searches

3 articles · Updated · heise online · Aug 21

A new self-service platform now lets U.S. businesses buy Apple Maps ads, marking the end of the service’s long ad-free positioning; Canada is reportedly next.
More than 1 billion monthly Apple Maps business searches underpin the move, with Apple saying about half lead to actions such as calls, visits or purchases.
Advertisers can upload photos and messages, set budgets with no apparent minimum, target by location or time, and get 15% back in ad credits through Oct. 11—capped at $1,000 a month.
Apple is initially limiting access: ads are slated first for iPhone and iPad, while macOS and browser versions stay untouched, and categories including home services, some medical services and crypto ATMs face restrictions.
The rollout extends Apple’s broader push to grow services and advertising revenue, following App Store ads, even as Maps’ ad-free experience had helped distinguish it from Google Maps.