Now nothing like that is unusual. All of this is per Mark Gurman’s scoop in Bloomberg’s Power On Newsletter. The move marks a huge expansion of Apple’s largely-internal crack at iOS ads. All of these efforts have been building steam in recent months. The ads will first be introduced on iOS devices such as the iPhone and iPad. Hopefully in the near future we’ll see them on macOS and watchOS versions of the app.
As a completely self-developed navigation platform, Apple Maps has the unique advantage of being able to serve users in more devices like iPhones, iPads, Macs and Apple Watches. We added Ads for Users, an ad format designed to increase user engagement. Now, you’ll start to see recommendations for services or nearby businesses directly in the app! We’ll explain why we consider these ads to be search ads. This makes it super easy for users to find great nearby local businesses and services while on the go.
Internal Advertising Strategy
The concept of integrating advertisements into Apple Maps aligns with Apple’s ongoing strategy to expand its internal iOS advertising efforts. Until now, Apple has rolled out its advertising programs exclusively within its app ecosystem. These campaigns are all about providing more useful ads to improve the overall user experience. This first step has proven to be incredibly popular, as Gurman predicted a few months ago, in his “Power On” newsletter.
The decision to allow ads in Apple Maps is an obvious sign that Apple is looking to make more money off its services. By leveraging its extensive user base and data analytics capabilities, Apple aims to deliver targeted advertisements that resonate with users’ needs and preferences. This change makes planning routes easier and quicker, not only helping advertisers achieve better outcomes, but delivering a better overall experience with the navigation app.
Expected Benefits for Users and Businesses
We can look forward to a win-win situation for users and businesses alike when Apple Maps ads become reality. Consumers will see more relevant recommendations for local companies and services that meet their search intent. This will allow them to better understand what’s necessary to provide safer, more efficient, multimodal corridors. At the same time, businesses will gain an advantage from greater visibility and more potential customer engagement thanks to these targeted ads.
By planning their search ads, they’ll be ensuring a strategic, customer-focused experience for users. They will fold in required business information while not breaking the flow of navigation. This savvy shift would allow both small and large businesses to target a huge audience more conveniently.
Future Implications
Apple is moving forward with its plans for Apple Maps ads. This decision could have a monumental effect on the assorted digital advertising ecosystem. Tens of millions of daily users depend on Apple Maps for their navigation needs. This makes it a highly valuable opportunity for advertisers to connect with consumers during key decision-making moments through targeted, relevant ads.
The success of this initiative will depend on how effectively Apple can balance user experience with advertising content. This creates incredible growth opportunity within its advertising business.
