Apple Maps now shows ads in search results and suggested places

The rollout started this week and will expand to more users over the next few weeks, according to 9to5Mac. The Verge's reporter saw the ads on an iPhone as the first entry in the suggested places section, marked with a small blue "ad" icon similar to those in Google Maps.

Users launching the Maps app may see a pop-up explaining that Maps may show local ads based on approximate location, current search terms, or the view of the map while searching, and that advertising information is not linked to their Apple Account.

Apple has said the ads follow its privacy-first approach, stating, "A user's location and the ads they see and interact with in Maps are not associated with a user's Apple Account. Personal data stays on a user's device, is not collected or stored by Apple, and is not shared with third parties."

Apple first announced the ads in March, saying it would let businesses pay for top spots in Maps.