Apple Maps is getting ads before and after searches, and there's no way to turn them off

Apple has introduced ads in its Maps app for both searching and after searching, with no option to disable them. This monetization strategy is set to roll out in the US and Canada beginning this summer. Users will encounter ads in two places: before initiating a search, where the "Suggested Places" section may include sponsored listings mixed with regular recommendations, and after a search, where ads could appear among the results if deemed relevant by Apple.

Each ad will be identified by a blue tag. Apple assures that user interactions with ads will not be linked to their Apple accounts or shared with third parties, and only one ad per set of search results will be displayed. However, this move to monetize its services by adding advertisements has been met with dissatisfaction, particularly as paying for other Apple services like iCloud+ or Apple One does not exempt users from seeing ads.

The company's decision to introduce ads into Maps, despite Google Maps being perceived as more functional and accurate by many, may lead to a significant loss of users. The trend of incorporating ads into Apple's native apps, including Books and Podcasts, was hinted at in 2022 when Apple reportedly aimed to triple its advertising business.