Apple Might Bring Ads to Apple Maps and Refresh Studio Display by 2026, Gurman Reports

Highlights

• Apple is considering adding search ads to its Maps app similar to those in its News and Stocks apps.
• Apple is working on an updated version of its Studio Display that is expected to arrive by 2026.
• This new display will likely use mini-LED technology and serve as a companion to the upcoming M5 MacBook Pros.
• The Pro Display XDR is less of a priority for Apple and a second-generation version is not expected soon.

Bloomberg’s Mark Gurman is no stranger to anyone who keeps up with Apple news. The man has been a trusted source of Apple news and updates for years now. Like a tradition, his recent Power On newsletter again sheds light on some of the key aspects of Apple’s future plans. Here’s a quick look at some of the updates Gurman recently shared.

Apple Considering Search Ads in Maps

Apple is once again looking into adding search ads to its Apple Maps app, according to Mark Gurman’s Power On newsletter. The company already runs similar ads in its News and Stocks apps, and this move could help grow Apple’s advertising business.

This isn’t the first time Apple has explored the idea. A couple of years ago, the company considered letting businesses pay for better search rankings in Maps and now, the discussion is back. Gurman writes, “A few years ago, Apple employees explored integrating search ads into its Maps apps. It would work similarly to Google Maps, where a business could pay Apple to have their restaurant or venue appear higher in search results.”

In a recent internal meeting, Apple reportedly revisited the idea of monetising Maps, specifically through search ads. Gurman also suggests that certain locations could be highlighted more prominently on the map.

There’s no timeline for when or if this monetising will happen. Apple hasn’t started engineering work on it yet, but the company is clearly thinking about how to make it a reality.

New Studio Display Expected by 2026

Gurman further reveals that Apple is also working on a refresh for its Studio Display, which first launched in 2022. The updated version will likely arrive by 2026 and could serve as a companion to the upcoming M5 MacBook Pros.

Last week, display supply chain expert Ross Young reported that Apple is developing a new Studio Display with mini-LED technology.

Gurman’s report backs this claim but doesn’t reveal many details about the upgrades. Gurman reports, “I’m told that Apple is currently testing prototypes of a display — code-named J427 — that should arrive by 2026. It will be a successor to the current Studio Display, rather than the Pro Display XDR, and features a design that’s similar to the 2022 model.”

Interestingly, Gurman also sheds light on Apple’s higher-end Pro Display XDR. Despite launching in 2019, Apple has largely ignored it, leaving it without key features like a webcam, built-in speakers, or an affordable stand, features that the cheaper Studio Display offers.

However, it doesn’t look like a second-generation Pro Display XDR is on Apple’s radar. Gurman reports that a new version is “less of a priority for Apple.” That said, Apple is still focused on the pro market, with new Mac Pro and Mac Studio models reportedly in the works.

FAQs

Q1. Is Apple planning to add ads to its Maps app?

Answer. Yes, Apple is considering adding search ads to its Maps app to help grow its advertising business. This idea was previously explored a few years ago and is being revisited.

Q2. When is the new version of Apple’s Studio Display expected to be released?

Answer. The updated version of Apple’s Studio Display is expected to arrive by 2026 and will likely use mini-LED technology.

Q3. Will there be a new version of the Apple Pro Display XDR?

Answer. A second-generation Pro Display XDR is not expected soon and is less of a priority for Apple. However, Apple remains focused on the pro market with new Mac Pro and Mac Studio models in development.

Q4. What kind of ads might Apple introduce in its Maps app?

Answer, Apple is considering search ads in its Maps app, where businesses could pay to appear higher in search results, similar to how ads work in Google Maps.

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