Apple is expected to introduce a search advertising system to its mapping service Apple Maps.
According to multiple foreign media outlets including Bloomberg on the 24th (local time), Apple may introduce ads in Apple Maps as early as this month through an official announcement. In other words, ads will appear in the iOS Maps app.
The rollout of ads will likely proceed as a bidding system in which corporations bid to promote their businesses in the app tied to relevant search terms. According to Bloomberg, for map users searching for restaurants, bars, and shops, ads from businesses that win the bids could appear at the top of search results.
This change appears to offer Apple a significant revenue generation opportunity. It is seen as an expansion strategy for its "services business," which records more than $100 billion (about 134 trillion won) in annual sales. The services business institutional sector currently accounts for more than a quarter of Apple's total sales.
Google has already included ads in its navigation app for years, and Microsoft's Bing Maps likewise offers similar advertising features to local businesses.
Last year, Apple changed the name of its advertising business from Search Ads to Apple Ads. Apple's advertising business unit is currently led by Vice President Todd Teresi. The advertising business reports to Eddy Cue, senior vice president in charge of Services and Health.