Source: MacRumors
Summary
Apple is reportedly planning to introduce search ads in Apple Maps, allowing businesses to pay for prominent placement in search results. This feature would be similar to Google’s paid search ads. The ads would appear at the top of search results for terms like “restaurants” or “coffee shops.” Apple has been testing this feature with a small group of partners.
Our Reading
The launch follows a familiar script.
Apple Maps is getting a “new” feature that’s been a staple of Google Maps for years. Search ads will now clutter the top results, because who needs organic search results when you can pay for them? Apple has been testing this with a select few, because that’s always a good sign. The ads will be clearly labeled, but let’s be real, we all know how well that works. Because what Apple Maps really needed was more ads.
Author: Evan Null
Apple Maps: The Never-Ending Story of Playing Catch-Up
It’s been years since Apple Maps launched, and it’s still trying to catch up to Google Maps. But hey, who needs innovation when you can just copy features from the competition?
The Ads Are Coming, The Ads Are Coming
Because what users really want is more ads in their search results. It’s not like we’re already drowning in a sea of targeted ads everywhere else.
Clearly Labeled, Clearly Ignored
Apple promises that the ads will be clearly labeled, but we all know how well that works. Users will either ignore them or get used to them in about 2 seconds.
Testing with a Select Few
Because that’s always a good sign. When a company only tests a feature with a small group of partners, it’s usually a sign that they’re not quite sure if it’s ready for prime time.
Apple Maps: Because You Can’t Escape the Ads
Apple Maps is just the latest example of how you can’t escape ads, even when you’re just trying to find a decent coffee shop.
