Apple confirms that its Maps app will begin showing ads to users "this summer"

"Apple confirmed that its Maps app would begin showing ads to users in the US and Canada starting this summer. Businesses can claim their physical location and pay to have their business displayed at the top of search results based on relevance."

"Apple states that users' personal data will stay on-device and won't be collected or shared with third parties. Ads viewed in Maps won't be tied to Apple accounts or used to track physical locations."

"The ability for businesses to place ads in the Maps app is part of a new service called 'Apple Business,' which will launch April 14 and offer company-managed Apple accounts and device management."

"Apple's Services division, which includes iCloud storage and Apple Music, is the fastest-growing part of Apple's balance sheet and is currently the company's second-biggest revenue source."

Apple Maps will introduce advertisements in the US and Canada, allowing businesses to claim locations and pay for top search result placements. Users' personal data will remain on-device, not collected or shared. This ad feature is part of a new service called 'Apple Business,' launching April 14, which offers company-managed accounts and device management. Apple's Services division is rapidly growing, now the second-largest revenue source, following the iPhone, and includes various offerings like iCloud and Apple Music.

Read at Ars Technica