According to a report on today’s Guardian Technology blog, several analysts are predicting that Apple will soon be launching location-based services, including sending targeted adverts to users from nearby shops and restaurants. Apparently much of the speculation is based on some recent patent filings by Apple for several location-based features which were spotted by Jack Purcher, whose Patently Apple blog exists solely to examine Apple’s many patent filings.

According to the Guardian, one app that Apple might be considering will give iPhone users the option to share their whereabouts with someone who calls them on another cell phone, using either a live map or a text message. A brilliant way of finding friends when you’re all trying to meet up in an unfamiliar place, for example. However, as the Guardian points out, the idea has its pitfalls:

“Location-based services excite and scare in equal proportions, which is why some people refer to them as Stalker Tech. Apple’s patent says that the service will require the consent of the callers and will use a public key infrastructure system to provide security.”

Interestingly enough, as the Guardian points out, Apple has also just issued a warning to developers regarding location-based apps, saying that it won’t approve any apps that feature excessive location-targeted advertising. Exactly why has Apple issued this warning though? The Guardian ponders if Apple is merely trying to protect iPhone users from spamming, or if it’s trying to clear the way for its own recently acquired Quattro Wireless mobile advertising.

The blog concludes by saying that this could even be a way of subsidising cheaper iPhones for those who were willing to accept location-based advertising. What’s the betting that a lot of people would be more than happy to get a cheap iPhone for the sake of receiving a few ads when they’re walking down the street?