Apple launches ads on Maps in US and Canada

Apple has launched a new advertising platform called Ads on Maps in the United States and Canada, allowing businesses to purchase sponsored placements in the navigation app as of August 14, 2026. The rollout fulfills a plan announced by the company in March and marks a significant expansion of its advertising business beyond the App Store and Apple News.

While the booking system is now active for advertisers, sponsored results are not yet visible to users and are expected to appear in the near term. Ads will be displayed at the top of relevant search results and in a "Suggested Places" section within Apple Maps. Each ad will be clearly labeled and will include actionable buttons, such as for getting directions or calling the business directly.

Pricing follows an auction-based model where advertisers pay based on outcomes like views or taps, with no minimum spend required. Businesses with five or fewer locations can manage campaigns directly through Apple Business tools, while larger advertisers and existing customers of the Apple Ads service will be directed to its dedicated platform.

To encourage early adoption, Apple is offering a promotional incentive. Eligible businesses that...