Apple’s Services arm continues to push ahead by adding revenue streams to reach record-high figures, but its decision to bring ads to Apple Maps may not garner the right kind of attention, according to the latest report. For one thing, the company’s loyal customers, who are in the millions, spend well over a $1,000 on its products. To witness ads, irrespective of how much Apple tries to make them as non-intrusive as possible, will be a punch in the gut. The newest details also highlight the lack of necessity to follow through with this decision, as the App Store already brings in $20 billion in annual revenue.
The Q1 2026 quarter revealed that Services revenue reached $30 billion, up from $26.3 billion generated in Q1 2025, with Apple Maps being leveraged to add to this growing figure
In a post-game ‘Q&A’ posted on Mark Gurman’s ‘Power On’ newsletter, he gives his thoughts on what he thinks about ads arriving at Apple Maps. Gurman responds by stating that the California-based titan risks ‘infuriating customers’ with this move, while also mentioning that Apple has a history of promising not to introduce ads to a platform, only to backtrack from its previous claims.
“Obviously I’m not surprised, since this has been in the works for a while. But Apple risks infuriating customers by charging well over $1,000 for devices and still having ads. Moreover, the company has a history of promising not to take this approach. Think back to 2011, when Steve Jobs unveiled iCloud and said it wouldn’t have ads because that would make for a terrible experience.
The company also has sought to stand out from competitors by touting its lack of advertising. Now, Apple is obviously a business — and is looking for ways to boost services revenue — but this just feels like a step too far. It has offered ads in the App Store for years, a property that already generates roughly $20 billion a year. It’s hard to say where this all ends. The move doesn’t improve the user experience (despite what Apple says) and could invite a backlash. It seems unwise.”
From a business perspective, Apple Maps appears to be the ideal target to push Services revenue to a new high, but not when user experience is at stake. Also, for those who intend to comment that hardly anyone uses Apple Maps, data from Rio SEO says that the service has an estimated 918 million users globally between 2024 and 2025. Clearly, the user traffic is present for Apple to capitalize on, but how fruitful will it be? Gurman has provided his thoughts, so why don’t you share yours?
News Source: Bloomberg
About the author: Omar Sohail is a reporter and analyst for Wccftech's mobile section, specializing in the technology and business of the mobile industry. His expertise lies in the intricate hardware supply chain, covering developments in semiconductor manufacturing, chip lithography, and camera sensor technology.
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