Apple Prepares Apple Maps for Ads with iOS 26.5 Beta Release

53 articles · Updated · AppleInsider · Apr 20

Apple has released the third developer beta of iOS 26.5, introducing new features to Apple Maps and preparing for the launch of local ads.
The update adds a Suggested Places feature and backend support for sponsored listings in Maps, with ads expected to appear this summer.
These changes mark a shift towards increased monetization in Apple Maps and may impact user experience, especially as opting out of ads is not possible.

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