Apple plans to introduce advertisements in the Apple Maps app starting this summer. Initial indications of this feature have appeared in the iOS 26.5 beta version as the company gears up for the rollout. Ads will be visible in the search interface of Apple Maps, with relevant ads prioritized in search results. A new feature, Suggested Places, will offer location recommendations based on nearby trends and user search history, incorporating ads as well.
Users in the United States and Canada will initially experience these changes, with potential expansion to other regions. The ads will be present on both iPhone and iPad platforms. Advertisements will be distinctly marked with an “Ad” label, similar to the App Store, and businesses can bid for ad placements, with the highest bidder securing the spot.
Apple assures that user privacy remains intact, as location data and ad interactions in Maps are not linked to Apple accounts nor shared with third parties. As part of the preparation, beta versions of iOS 26.5 and iPadOS 26.5 include foundational ad code and a splash screen, though ads are not yet operational. The official launch is set for the summer, aligning potentially with the release of iOS 26.5 in late May or early June.
