Apple Maps ads have officially launched, with Apple beginning to sell advertising space and offering incentives to encourage businesses to sign up. As of 14 August 2026, firms in the United States and Canada can enrol in what Apple calls “Ads on Maps”.
The move has been a long time coming. Eligible companies that place their orders by 11 October 2026 will receive a discount, though there are various conditions relating to the size of the business. As is typical with Apple’s discounts, the reduction does not lower the advertiser’s rate directly. Instead, it can only be applied to the following month’s spend.
Limits also apply. Eligible ad agencies receive a 15% discount, which caps at roughly £790, and the offer is valid only for the first year.
How the advertising works
Apple already runs advertising across its App Store, and is now presenting Apple Maps as an additional outlet for its Apple Ads service. Businesses already using the service can add Maps as an extra option alongside their current ads.
Firms that do not yet advertise but have more than five retail locations will be directed by Apple’s sales team to sign up for Apple Ads. Businesses with fewer locations can purchase ads directly through the existing Apple Business tool.
Apple says there are already more than a billion searches for businesses on Apple Maps each month, and that around 50% of those searches result in the user engaging with the business in some way, such as obtaining driving directions to a retail site. Ads are intended to surface only when a user searches for something relevant, and will include calls to action such as directions to a store.
On privacy, an Apple spokesperson stated in March 2026 that “Maps with ads is just as private as Maps without ads”, adding that personal data stays on the device, is not collected or stored by Apple Ads, and is not shared with third parties.
Who cannot advertise
Several categories are excluded from Apple Ads on Maps. Political parties are not permitted to advertise, and there will be no alcohol advertising, although supermarkets are allowed. Apple will also refuse religious ads, gambling, medical aids and more.
One notable exclusion is home services. Plumbers and electricians cannot advertise on Apple Maps, a category that remains in place but unexplained.
Existing advertisers in the United States and Canada can find out more via business.apple.com, where new advertisers can also sign up for Apple Ads.
Source
Image: appleinsider.com
