For years, Apple Maps has stood out for its clean, ad-free experience — a refreshing contrast to the cluttered interface of Google Maps. But according to a new report, that might soon change. Apple Maps is about to copy Google Maps, a new report claims – and that’s made me worried for its future.

Apple reportedly plans to bring ads to Maps

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman revealed in his Power On newsletter that Apple has been quietly exploring ad placements within its Maps app. After years of discussion, the company seems ready to move forward, with ads possibly arriving in Apple Maps by 2026.

This would mark a major shift in Apple’s approach. Restaurants and other businesses could soon pay to appear more prominently in Apple Maps searches — just like how promoted listings work in Google Maps. Imagine searching for “coffee near me” and seeing paid cafés topping the results.

Why this move could backfire for Apple

Apple has built its reputation on privacy, simplicity, and user-first experiences. Introducing ads into Apple Maps could undermine that trust. Many users have long appreciated Apple Maps for being a clean, distraction-free navigation tool. Adding promotions could make it feel like yet another ad platform.

The company’s move seems financially motivated. Despite being a trillion-dollar giant, Apple appears eager to expand its advertising revenue, which is already growing through services like the App Store and Apple News. But in doing so, it risks alienating users who value Apple’s minimalism.

The growing similarity to Google Maps

If Apple Maps is about to copy Google Maps, it signals a shift toward profit-driven design rather than user-driven design. Google’s ad-heavy model has been criticized for clutter and bias toward paid results. If Apple follows the same path, it could lose one of its key differentiators — its focus on privacy and usability.

This strategy might make Apple Maps more lucrative for businesses, but it could frustrate everyday users who rely on accurate, unbiased navigation. For a company that has long prided itself on putting people before profit, that’s a worrying sign.

What users can expect next

While the ads aren’t expected to appear until 2026, Apple could begin testing the system earlier in select regions. Businesses may get new tools to manage their listings and ad placements within the app.

Still, it’s unclear whether Apple will strike a balance between monetization and user experience, or if it will fully mimic Google’s model. Either way, this report has sparked debate among Apple fans — and raised questions about whether Maps will stay true to its original promise.

Apple Maps is about to copy Google Maps, a new report claims – and that’s made me worried for its future. The move may boost Apple’s ad revenue, but it risks eroding what made the app appealing in the first place: simplicity, trust, and a focus on the user.

If Apple isn’t careful, it might find that the road to higher profits leads straight to user disappointment.