Apple Maps may be about to get ads

Apple Maps has never been considered the crème de la crème of navigation apps (that honor obviously goes Google Maps) and now, if the reports are correct, its users are about to find ads, Bloomberg reports.

Apple plans to introduce the change later this year, and will announce it this month, sources tell Bloomberg. Ads may begin appearing in the iOS Maps app sometime this summer.

Under the plan, companies will request the opportunity to advertise their products within the program in conjunction with relevant search terms. Users of maps looking for restaurants, bars, or shops may be sent, as top results, ads for businesses that have been successful in advertising, Bloomberg reports.

Such a change could represent a strong driver for Apple. Google has integrated ads into its navigation software for years, with Bing Maps they also provide similar marketing to local business owners.

Reports about this have been circulating for some time. In October, a similar report he realized that the technology giant was considering such a plan. TechCrunch reached out to Apple for more information.

Years ago, users he complained Maps because of its limited functionality. But Apple’s navigation program has improved significantly in recent years, with new features such as plus a retail outlet such as the MICHELIN Guide and Golf Digest. Last summer, at WWDC, Maps showed off a new feature to provide vehicle information as well issues related to daily travel. It’s unclear how long-term ad inclusion will affect user preferences, such as Apple’s privacy protection and Location History widgetbut hopefully if a promotional announcement comes soon, we’ll learn more about it.