Apple Maps is adding a useful new feature for trending places

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple Maps Announces Ads and a New “Suggested Places” Feature

Apple today announced that ads are officially coming to Apple Maps later this summer. In addition, the company teased a new feature that Apple Maps should’ve added years ago: Suggested Places.

In its press release announcing the new Apple Business platform and ads in Apple Maps, Apple said:

Beginning this summer in the U.S. and Canada, businesses will have a new way to be discovered by using Apple Business to create ads on Maps.

Ads on Maps will appear when users search in Maps, and can appear at the top of a user’s search results based on relevance, as well as at the top of a new Suggested Places experience in Maps, which will display recommendations based on what’s trending nearby, the user’s recent searches, and more. Ads will be clearly marked to ensure transparency for Maps users.

Putting aside the ads part of the news, Suggested Places sounds like a feature that will make it easier to find new places in Apple Maps. Apple, however, hasn’t shared any additional information on the methodology behind the feature.

9to5Mac’s Take

• Suggested Places is clearly a feature added primarily to give Apple an additional spot for advertising.
• If the underlying suggestions are helpful (once you scroll past the top ad), the feature could be useful, especially in new cities.
• Google Maps has offered similar functionality for years, providing real‑time popularity cues.
• The addition of ads is disappointing but not surprising; many users prefer Apple Maps for its premium, less‑cluttered experience.
• Apple appears to have implemented its ads relatively tastefully, but the presence of ads may make the platform less enjoyable.

Discussion: What do you think of Apple Maps adding advertising this summer? Will it change which maps app you use? Let us know in the comments.