iOS 26.5 beta 2 arrived today, and with it Apple Maps has gained a new popup regarding the forthcoming rollout of ads. Here are the details.
iOS 26.5 beta 2 includes Apple Maps ads popup with details
Apple recently announced that ads are coming to Apple Maps in the US and Canada. But other than a vague “summer” launch window, we didn’t know when the change would actually happen.
But iOS 26.5 is very much laying the groundwork for the rollout, as a new popup in beta 2’s Maps app confirms.
Here’s what the popup says:
Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search.
For your privacy, advertising information is not linked to your Apple Account.
There’s no opt-out for getting ads in Maps. But the information above explains what exactly informs the ads you get: your location, search terms, and current map view.
This is a sad day for Apple. I use Apple Maps exclusively (have done for many years). If this is rolled out to Ireland I’ll have to take a look at alternatives.
Ads will start being displays in two places when they officially launch:
At the top of search results
In a new ‘Suggested Places’ feature
Suggested Places was previously available in iOS 26.5 beta 1. It appears when you tap the search field, offering recommendations for businesses you may be interested in.
This new Maps popup isn’t confirmation that ads are definitely launching in iOS 26.5, but it certainly seems likely at this point.
Have you seen any ads in Apple Maps in iOS 26.5 beta 2? Let us know in the comments.