Apple Maps rolls out paid business ads in US and Canada

Apple Maps has begun displaying sponsored listings in the United States and Canada, following the company's March announcement that businesses could pay for prominent placement. The ads appear as the first result in the 'suggested places' section and at the top of search results. They are labeled with a blue 'ad' icon, a format similar to what Google Maps has offered for years. The rollout began this week and is expected to reach more users across both countries over the coming weeks. Apple is notifying users of the change via an in-app pop-up when they open Maps.