Apple Launching Free Business Platform, Bringing Ads to Maps
Apple consolidates business tools into Apple Business on April 14 and plans to sell ads on Apple Maps this summer.
Apple is rolling out two major moves aimed at businesses and advertisers. The company announced Apple Business, a free platform that bundles its various business tools into one place. It goes live April 14.
But the bigger story? Apple is opening up Apple Maps to advertisers. Starting this summer, businesses in the U.S. and Canada will be able to target customers directly through Maps ads. That's a significant new revenue channel for Apple — and a direct shot at Google's lucrative Maps advertising business.
The Maps ad play signals Apple is getting more aggressive about its services and advertising revenue. The company has steadily expanded its ad footprint across the App Store and other properties. Maps represents fresh, high-intent real estate where users are actively searching for nearby businesses.
Apple Business launches first. Maps ads follow in the summer months.