Apple is planning to introduce advertisements to its Maps application, with the feature potentially launching as early as this summer, according to multiple reports. The company could announce the advertising program as soon as this month before implementing it in the coming months.

The advertising system would allow businesses to pay for top placement in search results when users search for terms such as "restaurants" on Apple Maps. This would enable companies to secure the highest spots in location-based searches, similar to advertising models used by other mapping services.

The move represents part of Apple's broader push to expand its services revenue beyond hardware sales. Apple Maps advertising would join the company's existing advertising offerings, which currently include search ads in the App Store and other promotional placements across its ecosystem.

The advertisements are expected to be available on both mobile versions of Apple Maps and the web-based interface. Apple has not yet officially confirmed the timeline or specific details of the advertising program.

Apple Maps has grown significantly since its troubled launch in 2012, when it faced criticism for inaccurate data and missing features. The service has since been rebuilt with improved mapping data and additional features, positioning it as a competitor to Google Maps and other navigation services.