Apple Maps Now Has Ads — Here's an Ad-Free Alternative

Key Takeaways

1. Apple Maps officially launched ads in search this week.
2. You’ll see ads in the new “Suggested Places” field, as well as in Apple Maps search results.
3. You can’t block Apple Maps ads, but you can choose an alternative that skips out on them completely.

This week, Apple Maps officially launched ads in search. It’s not necessarily a surprise: we learned back in October that Apple planned to roll out ads at some point. But it’s still a bit jarring to see Apple actually commit to the plan. Now, most of the mainstream navigation apps come with ads, which makes getting around without dealing with them difficult — but not impossible.

How Apple Maps’ Ads Work

Once ads hit your app, you’ll start seeing them when you search for new destinations. That includes both the new “Suggested Places” section, as well as within search results. Like other platforms that float sponsored items to the top of search results, you’ll likely want to be a bit more scrupulous, since the top pick might not actually be the most relevant to your query.

What’s more, there’s no way to actually disable these ads. There are ad blockers for iPhone, but they’re limited and won’t block Apple’s own ads. As such, it just doesn’t feel very “Apple” to deal with ads on the company’s own navigation app — especially if you’re already giving Apple money every month. While Apple Maps doesn’t have a paid subscription, Apple offers plenty of services at a cost. As YouTuber Quinn Nelson notes, some users are paying $50 per month for Apple One and still having to deal with ads on Apple Maps. Of course, it’s the same story for Google Maps: Google’s navigation app also has mandatory ads, whether you subscribe to one of Google’s services or not. In Apple’s view, its approach is better than competitors like Google, as the company is adamant its ads preserve your privacy. But even if that’s the case, it’s not clear that argument will sell users on the new approach.

It’s tough to find a good navigation alternative to Apple Maps or Google Maps. That includes Waze, which is also owned by Google and also has ads. However, there is one solid — albeit rather underground — choice for anyone whose top priority is a lack of ads.

The Best Ad-Free Alternative: Organic Maps

Organic Maps is a free and open-source app that prioritizes privacy for navigation. According to the developer, the app works entirely offline and does not track people as they use it. You can download your maps, disable cellular services, and still navigate — though you can use it while connected as well. The app supports a number of features found on more mainstream platforms, including cycling and hiking routes, turn-by-turn directions, public transit maps, and dark mode.

Organic Maps uses OpenStreetMap to provide its navigation data. While OpenStreetMap is also open-source — meaning users around the globe can add their own data points — it likely isn’t as robust as Apple’s map data, let alone Google’s decades of data. Still, users have generally positive reviews on the iOS App Store, suggesting that OpenStreetMap’s data offers an adequate alternative to Apple Maps. If you’re used to scrolling through restaurant reviews or checking out Street View, you’ll miss those features here. The search function is also more limited compared to other platforms. This is definitely a navigation-first app, rather than a full Apple Maps or Google Maps replacement. That said, if you’re looking for an ad-free alternative, Organic Maps is one of the best options available right now.