Apple Maps Shows New Ads Disclosure Screen in iOS 26.5 Beta

Apple is preparing users for advertisements in Apple Maps with a new splash screen discovered in the second developer beta of iOS 26.5. This user-facing prompt outlines the privacy details and implementation for a feature Apple officially announced last month, when it confirmed that local businesses would be able to purchase sponsored listings starting this summer.



The splash screen, which appears when opening the app for the first time on the new beta, explains that ads in Apple Maps will be strictly contextual. While other platforms like the App Store and Apple News may use segments based on account data, Maps will rely solely on current search terms, the specific area being viewed on the map, and approximate device location. Apple says this advertising data is not linked to a user's Apple Account.


To maintain privacy during navigation, Apple says it uses a session identifier that rotates multiple times per hour. This ensures that search history and ad interactions are not tied to a permanent identity. The company also reiterates that its advertising platform does not access sensitive information, such as Apple Pay transactions or data stored in the Health app, and does not share device data with third-party data brokers.

This arrives as Apple continues to refine the 26.5 software branch, which also includes ongoing tests for RCS end-to-end encryption and new interoperability features for the European Union. Code in the beta indicates that when sponsored listings launch, they will include a clear "ad" label to distinguish them from standard search results.

Users can control participation in geographically relevant advertising through the Settings app. By navigating to Privacy & Security and selecting Location Services, users can adjust permissions for Apple Maps or disable the feature entirely.