Apple continues its preparations to provide ads within its Maps application in conjunction with the launch of the second beta version of the new iOS 26.5 system. The application includes a new opening screen that explains to users that ads will be displayed based on the approximate location, current search terms, or map view during the search, in addition to appearing in the suggested places section that was added in the first beta version. To preserve users’ privacy, Apple confirms that advertising information will not be linked to the user’s Apple account, which means that interaction with these ads will not be recorded in the basic account data and will not be stored or shared with any external parties.
Although the initial signs of the appearance of these ads were observed since the first beta version of the system, testers of the second beta version may actually start seeing the ads during this stage. It is still unclear at this moment whether Apple has contented itself with applying the introductory opening screen only, or whether actual ads will begin to appear to users in the very near future to complete the testing phase.
Last March, the company announced its future plans to provide ads in its maps application, with the date of the public offering set to be during the summer of this year. Apple plans to include these ads in the Maps application on iPhone, iPad, and Mac computers for users in the United States of America and Canada, where these promotions will be distinguished by the presence of a clear sign indicating that they are an advertising material to ensure complete transparency, just as is the case with the ads currently displayed in the App Store.
