Apple Maps was heavily criticized when it launched in 2012, as it was significantly behind its main competitor , Google Maps. Today, however, the two mapping services have evolved significantly and are now on a similar level. In fact, one could argue that Apple Maps stands out thanks to its cleaner and more minimal interface.
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Many people still prefer Google Maps, despite the increasing presence of ads on the platform — something that most users hardly notice. However, this strategy seems to be paying off, as a new report reveals that even Apple is considering introducing ads into its own Maps app.
According to a report from Bloomberg, Apple is considering leveraging its Maps app to increase revenue from its services. It seems that company employees had explored the possibility of integrating ads into Maps a few years ago, and now Apple appears to be bringing the idea back to the forefront.
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Apple Maps ads will work in a similar way to Google Maps. Businesses will be able to pay Apple to have their restaurants or locations appear higher in search results. This could lead to increased traffic from consumers, boosting their retail businesses.
The report says there is no specific timeline for implementing this monetization strategy and that no active engineering work has begun. However, the company has explored the idea of charging for prioritizing results in searches. Additionally, it could promote specific locations to appear more prominently on the map. These approaches are reminiscent of Google’s Local Ads on Maps
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If this idea comes to fruition, Apple and Google will come closer than ever to running their Maps app. This move is unlikely to be useful to consumers right away, but it could generate good revenue for Apple, which in turn will help grow the app and its features. If Apple Maps can come this close to Google Maps without an immediate revenue stream, there’s a chance it could grow when it becomes a significant revenue driver. So, the competition would get more intense, and Google Maps would have to up its game too. In the end, consumers will win, hopefully.
Source: androidauthority
