Apple Maps paid search ads under consideration in monetization push.

You will thank me later!

I switched recently, and it is really good. It doesn't have public transport yet (for the most part), and I rarely drive, but for walking, hiking and biking it is very nice. OpenStreetMap is shockingly well developed, I had no idea this existed. It has almost all the local businesses in my area, really did not expect that. It doesn't have restaurant reviews and stuff though.
- My area was missing a bunch of businesses, so I added them. It's really easy, so definitely consider helping fix stuff as you notice it. I usually take the time to add metadata like phone number, hours, and website, because sometimes that's useful.
- Thank god it doesn’t… fuck that. Most times it’s bs anyway.
StreetComplete It makes editing OSM addictive and competitive!
- I love it though someone can easily make out where I live and work 🤦🏼

Apple claimed Apple Maps was created because Apple wanted to protect its users from Google Maps' data hoarding. We assume Apple is already hoarding data but now to be able to compete with other advertisement platforms Apple, would have to share that data with advertisers.

One step forward, two steps back.

Apple actually integrates several “anti tracking” technologies into their maps, so it IS an improvement in theory.
- Looks like we are both skeptical about those technologies. "All you have to do is turn off locations... on a maps app... that's privacy!"
- They still collect data albeit less from Google Maps. But Organic Maps doesn’t collect any data.
I'm not happy about ads, but ads aren't inherently anti-privacy. If they are not targeted at you based on tracking data then I don't see any conflict with privacy. for example, mentioned in the article:
For example, it reportedly considered charging for prioritization of search results in the app. It's also plausible that it could sell the ability to make specific locations on the map more prominent to viewers.
that would suck but it's not a privacy issue.

apple is really shitting themselves. wtf.

Just trying to rake some of thst Google cash
they must see the writing on the wall for reduced hardware sales.

Well, this thing isn’t going to just enshitify itself, now is it.

There was a time when Apple was able to infuse some level of class into its products relative to competitors. I suppose they were able to do that because their growth was driven by exciting products. With their now listless and moribund product strategy, they have to cash in the equity they built up in customer experience to fund shareholder value.

Moribund (adjective)
Meaning: Dying or declining.
TIL a new word.

Apple... Monetisation... Aren't they already making like a billion per day?

Greedy fuckers.

This article is from April 2024. So, where are the ads?

I will post a new link, I did not notice the date of the article.
Edit: I changed the link.
So I don’t actually mind this.
And odds are good you won’t notice them.
They’ll just be carefully highlighted locations when you’re looking at a larger map, so the random buildings that get labeled in the more zoomed out views are chosen carefully.
It gets better, when you search for “restaurants near me” the order won’t be organic but “pay to win”
So “restaurant chain #5” will be at the top even if you hate their food.
Not really awful as far as advertising goes.
- You understand why advertising when it isn't clearly labeled as such is worse, right?
- When has a company ever shown itself to show restraint once it heads down the monetization train? And isn't Apple's premium price point that it isn't ad infested like Android or Microsoft?
- It will be annoying when you search for “Wings” and a restaurant shows up which is 30 miles away because it’s being promoted and is probably just a bar which sells wings and not a wings only place like Wingstop. This is how the App Store search works and that’s why I refuse to go to the app to search anything. I don’t know how you can say these types of search results are good for anyone. The top app/ search result is completely irrelevant and takes up space. It’s only beneficial for Apple.
- Downvoted for having an opinion. Rip in peace

It’s time for Tim Apple to retire.

Any replacement is subject to the priorities of Apple's major shareholders and its board. Those push for further monetization of Apple products and services.
- Not in my experience. Apple products and services are driven by the yay or nay of the CEO. The employees often push back on things as well if they have enough clout.