Apple begins showing ads in Maps search results

Apple has begun displaying sponsored results in Apple Maps in the United States and Canada, adding paid placements to search inside the navigation app. The change follows the company’s earlier plan to let businesses buy prominent spots in its services, according to reports from technology outlets.

The ads appear in the suggested places area and at the top of search results, giving businesses priority visibility when users look for locations. Apple has not offered a way to switch the ads off, according to coverage from The Verge and CNET.

The move expands Apple’s advertising push beyond its existing app and service placements. It also comes as other technology companies face growing scrutiny over how they use user data and commercialize their platforms.

Apple Maps is one of the company’s most widely used consumer apps, and the new placements mark another step in its effort to generate more revenue from software and services.