Apple Maps is about to change in a meaningful way. The iOS 26.5 beta, which Apple released to public testers this week, contains early code for a new advertising system inside the Maps app. Ads are coming to Maps this summer.
This is a significant step for Apple, which has long positioned itself as a privacy-first company. Putting ads inside Maps brings it closer to what Google Maps already does.
How Will the Ads Work?
According to code found in the iOS 26.5 beta, ads in Maps will appear in two places. The first is in search results — when you search for a type of business, a paid result may appear at the top of the list. The second is in a new section called “Suggested Places.”
The code reads: “Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search.”
Every ad will carry a clear “ad” label. Apple says businesses in the US and Canada will be able to purchase these placements starting “this summer.”
What Is the Suggested Places Feature?
The Suggested Places section is a new discovery tool inside Maps. It surfaces trending places nearby, recommendations based on your recent searches, and locations that are popular in your area.
We covered the announcement of this feature when it was first revealed. You can read more in our earlier story: Apple Maps Is Getting a Useful New Feature That Surfaces Trending Places Near You.
The ads will slot into this same section alongside organic recommendations. The “ad” label will distinguish paid placements from regular suggestions.
What Else Is in iOS 26.5?
The ads are not the only notable thing in the iOS 26.5 beta. Apple is also re-enabling end-to-end encryption for RCS messages between iPhones and Android devices. This feature was tested in iOS 26.4 but removed before the final release.
In addition, Apple is testing new Digital Markets Act compliance features in the EU. These include AirPods-style pairing for third-party earbuds and notification forwarding to non-Apple smartwatches.
When Does iOS 26.5 Release?
iOS 26.5 is currently in beta and is expected to launch publicly in May 2026. It is a relatively minor update. The bigger changes — including the long-delayed Siri overhaul — are being saved for iOS 27, which Apple will preview at WWDC 2026 in June. For a look at what iOS 27 might bring, check out our full preview at WWDC 2026 Preview: Siri 2.0 Chatbot, a Liquid Glass Slider, and the Biggest Apple Software Announcement in Years.
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