Although Apple is known for trying to take maximum care of its customers, and not putting advertising in its apps, as is the case with Apple TV+, one of the cheapest streaming platforms that does not have ads, sometimes it is not possible to maintain it.
That is why an app that we all have installed if we use iPhone, called Mapswill begin to show advertising by advertisers in a short time, thus trying to make it profitable and improve it, being able to compete with Google Maps, which has the ground in this sector.
Apple Maps will have paid ads
Apple plans to add ads to its Maps appone of the most used on iPhone (despite Google Maps being the favorite of many). The idea is that businesses such as restaurants, cafes or stores can pay to appear more visible when users search for nearby places. It would be something similar to what already happens in the App Store, where some applications pay to appear first in the search results, although this does not mean that they are better or more popular.
According to journalist Mark Gurman, Apple would already have everything ready and could launch it next yearthat is, in a few weeks or months. The company wants to do it in a different way from other map services, betting on more discreet and useful advertising (although it will still be advertising). To achieve this, will use artificial intelligence to help display ads really relevant according to the location and interests of each person. Instead of filling the screen with banners or annoying messages, the idea is that the ads appear naturally, almost like a recommendation within the map. However, it will still be based on who pays, so it is not entirely fair and real.
This step is part of Apple's plan to generate more income through your servicesas sales of iPhone and other devices grow more slowly. The company has been expanding its business for some time with platforms such as Apple Music, Apple TV+ and now seeks to take advantage of the potential of Maps, which generates a large expense, especially with taking images from around the world.
Although the idea sounds good for business, not all users are convinced. Many appreciate that Apple apps are free of advertising, and fear that this change will alter that experience. The key will be how Apple manages to integrate the ads without making them feel invasive or breaking the aesthetics of the map.
In short, Apple wants Maps to be more than just an app for knowing where to go. If you manage to do it in a useful and non-invasive way, you could add another success to your ecosystem without losing the trust of those who prefer an app without ads (even if the idea is that they don't find out about them).
And you, do you think it's okay that Apple show the best restaurant in the area for those who pay, and not for other issues, or do you consider that it is something that characterized this app, and that you can no longer “trust” it either? Leave us a comment with your rating, and if this will make you use others.
