Apple rolled out iOS 26.5 on Tuesday, introducing a Suggested Places tab inside Maps. The feature surfaces trending locations and recent user queries, and serves as a testbed for the advertising layer the company promised earlier this year. Despite beta splash screens, no promotional pins appear in the live app yet.

When Apple first disclosed its ad rollout in March, it earmarked the United States and Canada for a launch “this summer.” Depending on whether the firm follows the astronomical window (June 21‑September 22) or the meteorological definition (June 1‑August 31), users can expect sponsored results sometime within that span. Ads will sit alongside organic listings in search results and the new Suggested Places view.

The ads will appear on both iPhone and iPad Maps, marked with a clear “Ad” label similar to App Store placements. Businesses bid on keywords, with the highest offer winning the slot. Apple assures that location data tied to these promotions remains unlinked from Apple IDs and isn’t shared externally, though users cannot opt out of location‑based suggestions. The rollout will test Apple’s ability to monetize its core navigation service.