{
  "id": 3499431,
  "title": "'I'll just use Google Maps': Apple Maps users rebel against new ads that you can't turn off, even with an iCloud subscription",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/26/ill-just-use-google-maps-apple-maps-users-rebel-against-new-ads-that",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-08-26T11:45:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "TechRadar",
    "slug": "techradar",
    "url": "https://www.techradar.com/phones/iphone/ill-just-use-google-maps-apple-maps-users-rebel-against-new-ads-that-you-cant-turn-off-even-with-an-icloud-subscription"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Apple Maps has begun displaying advertisements for users in the US and Canada, causing frustration among its users. These ads appear at the top of the search screen and in the \"Suggested Places\" section, with a blue \"ad\" label indicating their presence. Despite this, Apple has not provided a way for users to opt-out of the ads, not even for those with paid iCloud+ or Apple One subscriptions. Users have reacted negatively to this change, with many expressing their intention to switch to Google Maps in favor of the ad-free experience. Some Reddit users have even suggested that Google Maps is superior in accuracy and functionality, with the only advantage Apple Maps once had being its lack of advertisements. While there are some who argue that Apple Maps still holds benefits such as better privacy and lower battery usage, these points may not be enough to offset the negative impact of the ad introduction. It remains to be seen how many users will ultimately abandon Apple Maps due to this change, but it is clear that this update represents a step backward for the service and a blow to user satisfaction.",
  "summary": "After being announced earlier this year, adverts are now starting to appear in Apple Maps for users in the US and Canada.",
  "key_points": [
    "Apple Maps introduces ads in US and Canada",
    "Ads appear at top and in Suggested Places section",
    "Users frustrated, may switch to Google Maps"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}