Apple is planning to introduce ads in its Apple Maps search results as soon as this summer, reports Bloomberg. The move is part of Apple’s efforts earn more money from its services division. The company could announce its plans as early as this month.
The Apple Maps ads will allow retailers and brands to bid to show ads that are associated with search results. For example, if a user searches for gas stations, they may see an ad for Shell or Exxon, or if they search for fast foods, they see an ad from Carl’s Jr. The highest bidder will see their ad at the top of search results.
The ads will be displayed on the web, as well as in the iPhone, iPad, and Mac Map apps.
Apple is looking to increase its services division, likely due to the ongoing regulatory issues that are causing changes in the App Store or the loss of revenue from its search deal with Google.
Apple announced in January that it would begin displaying additional ads in App Store search results, starting March 3. Apple expanded App Store ads in the UK and Japan first, and will bring them to other markets like the U.S. by the end of March.
Apple has also rebranded its ads business from “Search Ads” to “Apple Ads” last year, foreshadowing its plan to display ads in more apps and services.