Apple has begun selling ads on Apple Maps and is offering incentives to advertisers to get it going. Just don’t bother if you’re a plumber or politician.
It’s been a very long time coming, but Apple is now allowing ads on Apple Maps, and as of August 14, 2026, has begun targeting advertisers with incentives.
According to Media Post, firms in the US and Canada can now enroll in what Apple is calling “Ads on Maps.” There are various conditions to do with the size of companies, but eligible ones that order by October 11, 2026, will get a discount.
Much as with any of Apple’s discounts, it doesn’t work as you’d expect. Rather than giving an advertiser a lower rate, the discount can only be applied to the next month’s spend.
There are limits, too, in how such eligible ad agencies get a 15% discount which maxes out at $1,000. And it is also only valid for the first year.
For users, Apple has insisted that the ads will be a help rather than a hindrance. “Maps with ads is just as private as Maps without ads,” a spokesperson said in March 2026. “Personal data stays on your device, is not collected or stored by Apple Ads, and is not shared with third parties.”
What Apple is telling advertisers is that there are already over a billion searches for businesses on Apple Maps every month. It says that around 50% of such searches result in the user in some way engaging with the business, such as getting directions to drive to retail sites.
Apple already takes advertising across its App Store and it’s presenting Apple Maps as one more outlet for its Apple Ads service. If a business is already advertising using that service, this becomes an extra option alongside their current ads.
If a firm doesn’t yet advertise but has more than five retail locations, Apple’s sales team will direct them to sign up to Apple Ads. Firms with fewer locations can buy the ads directly in the existing Apple Business tool.
The idea is that ads will only surface when a user searches for something relevant. But then if they do get an ad, that ad will include calls to action such as quickly getting them directions to the store.
Who can’t advertise
Political parties are not allowed to advertise on Apple Maps. It’s hard to see what user searches could usefully result in an ad for those anyway, unless someone really wants to know the way to campaign headquarters.
There will also be no alcohol advertising, although supermarkets are allowed. Apple will refuse religious ads, gambling, medical aids and more.
One already known but still not explained category of ads that will not be accepted is the home services one. No plumbers or electricians can advertise on Apple Maps.
It’s good that Apple Maps has strict rules like this, but if you need a plumber, you really need one. Fortunately, Google Maps allows their ads.
Existing advertisers in the US and Canada can learn more from business.apple.com. New advertisers can also sign up for Apple Ads there.
This story originally appeared on Appleinsider
