GoKawiilApple begins showing ads in Maps search results with no way to disable them
Apple has started displaying advertisements in its Maps app in the US and Canada, marked only with a small 'ad' label next to some search results. The rollout is inconsistent—not every search or city shows ads yet—and there are no sponsored pins as seen in Google Maps, but unlike other apps, Apple has not provided any toggle to turn the ads off.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This marks a notable shift for Apple, which has long marketed privacy and a premium, ad-free experience as differentiators from competitors like Google. The lack of an opt-out, even for paying iCloud subscribers, suggests Apple views advertising as a growing revenue stream across its ecosystem, with speculation that Music could be next.
- Apple Maps now shows ads in the US and Canada, expanding to more regions later.
- Ads appear only as small labels next to some search results, with no sponsored pins yet.
- There is currently no option to disable ads, frustrating paying Apple customers.
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Published there as: “Apple Maps Has Ads Now. They Might Not Be Terrible, but You Can’t Turn Them Off”
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