Apple Maps Ads Coming Soon in iOS 26.5 Beta 2

Apple is preparing to introduce advertisements in Apple Maps with the upcoming iOS 26.5 update, as confirmed by a new popup appearing in the second public beta released on April 13, 2026. The popup informs users that Maps may show local ads based on approximate location, current search terms, or map view while searching, and clarifies that advertising information is not linked to the user’s Apple Account.

According to 9to5Mac, the ads will appear in two locations upon official launch: at the top of search results and within a new ‘Suggested Places’ feature. Suggested Places, which was first introduced in iOS 26.5 beta 1, offers business recommendations when users tap the search field.

The CNET report notes that iOS 26.5 beta 3 was released about one month after the iOS 26.4 update, which included new emoji and video podcasts. While the beta brings end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging as a notable feature, the Maps ads popup signals Apple’s move toward monetizing its navigation service.

Gadget Hacks confirms that macOS 26.5 Public Beta 2 similarly includes the Suggested Places feature in Maps, indicating alignment across Apple’s platforms. Final versions of macOS Tahoe 26.5, iOS 26.5, and iPadOS 26.5 are expected next month based on historical release patterns.

Apple has previously announced that ads will roll out in Apple Maps in the U.S. And Canada during the summer, though no exact date has been provided. The current beta does not include an opt-out option for ads, though the company emphasizes that data used for ad targeting remains privacy-protected and unlinked to Apple Accounts.

In addition to Maps changes, MegaMobileContent reports that iOS 26.5 beta 2 resumes testing of end-to-end encrypted RCS messaging between iPhone and Android devices, continuing a feature first introduced in iOS 18 but previously lacking encryption in the final release of iOS 26.4.

As Apple moves closer to a public release of iOS 26.5, users and developers testing the beta are advised to install it on secondary devices due to potential bugs and reduced battery life, which are common in pre-release software.