An open letter written by Tim Cook in 2014 compared Apple to ad‑funded services where customers are the product. The letter, removed from Apple’s website before ads debut in Apple Maps, sparked criticism.

Commentator John Gruber urges the incoming CEO, John Ternus, to halt Apple’s ad business. Gruber cites Cook’s claim that Apple sells ads to developers under strict privacy protections, noting that the optics now are "grubby." In 2026, App Store search results are dominated by paid casino ads, often preceding the desired app and degrading the UI. Gruber argues optics matter more than privacy safeguards.

Apple could prove it can serve privacy‑protected ads—even in Maps—but convincing the public requires showing that it does not sell such ads. Seeing ads in Maps signals tracking; the only way to earn trust is to stop selling them. Returning to the 2014 privacy clarity would out‑value the modest revenue from ads and strengthen Apple’s reputation. The poll invites readers to weigh in on the issue.