Apple Maps has started displaying ads for users in the United States and Canada. Ads appear in pre-search results related to “Recommended Places” and are identified by a blue “Ad” label. It will be rolled out to all users in target regions over the next few weeks and is not yet available in Japan.
Apple Maps ads start showing in the US and Canada
When you open Apple Maps in the U.S. or Canada, you’ll now see ads within the store information.
According to 9to5Mac, Apple has started serving ads in recent days. We plan to gradually expand this to all users in both countries over the next few weeks.
Apple announced on March 24 that Apple Maps ads will be available in the US and Canada in summer 2026. Businesses in both countries were able to purchase advertisements on August 14th, but the ads had not yet begun to be displayed to users.
A new change from the previous report on August 17th is that not only advertisers can apply, but ads have also started appearing on users’ screens.
Advertisements are displayed in two places: before the search and in the search results.
According to the official information on Apple Ads, there are two places where ads can be displayed:
- “Recommended places” before starting your search
- Related search results after searching for stores etc.
At the top of the search results, relevant advertisements are displayed. The display looks similar to regular store information, but with a blue “Ad” label and a different location icon.
Stores marked with “Ad” are paid placement slots.
“Recommended places” before searching are also introduced in the article when a display that appears to be an advertising space was found on iOS 26.5. This time, advertising has actually started in that location.
Not available in Japan ~ Check store information and reviews
Apple Maps ads are currently available in the United States and Canada. The launch date in Japan and the minimum OS version required for use have not been announced.
When using Apple Maps in the United States and Canada, you can distinguish between advertisements and regular search results by checking the display of “Ad”. The store that appears at the top of the search results may not necessarily be the store that best suits you.
When choosing a store, don’t just rely on advertisements; also check regular search results, store information such as business hours, and reviews. In Japan, it is important to wait for the official announcement and not to assume that the display has already started in Japan.
Source: 9to5Mac, Apple
Photo: Apple
Source: iPhone Mania
