Apple has announced that businesses will soon be able to purchase advertisements in its Maps app, marking a significant change in the platform’s user experience. These ads are set to appear at the top of search results and in a new ‘Suggested Places’ feature within the app, launching initially in the US and Canada this summer.
The ‘Suggested Places’ feature aims to provide users with recommendations based on local trends and recent searches. Apple assures users that ads will be clearly labeled and that location data tied to these ads will not be linked to individual Apple Accounts, emphasizing its commitment to user privacy by avoiding data collection and sharing with third parties.
Notably, the introduction of ads follows Apple’s plan to allow businesses to bid on keywords like ‘sushi’ to enhance visibility in search results. Ads will be displayed based on relevance, creating a new opportunity for retailers and restaurants to engage with users.
Businesses looking to advertise on Apple Maps can utilize the new Business platform, a free service replacing previous Apple business initiatives. This platform, launching on April 14th, offers companies a centralized hub to manage various aspects like apps, emails, security, and brand profiles across Apple’s ecosystem.
Source: The Verge