iOS 26.5’s Apple Maps app has two notable changes, here’s what’s new

Source: 9to5Mac

Apple Maps is one of several apps with new features in iOS 26.5, the latest iPhone update. Here’s what’s new for Maps users.

Suggested Places feature in search screen

One of the new features in iOS 26.5 is the addition of ‘Suggested Places’ in Apple Maps.

‘Suggested Places’ adds two recommended locations to the Maps search screen each time you tap the search bar. The recommendations are based on:

• What’s trending nearby
• Your recent search history

Suggested Places refresh frequently—often every time you open the search screen. If you’re looking for spots near you, the recommendations will be local. If you’re planning a trip (e.g., to New York City) and have searched for something there, Apple Maps will offer two NY‑based recommendations instead.

Ads support ahead of summer launch

If you’re running iOS 26.5 in the US or Canada, your iPhone will show a new ads popup when Apple Maps is opened. Ads haven’t officially launched yet, but iOS 26.5 introduces compatibility for the upcoming rollout. Apple previously announced that ads would arrive this summer with a privacy‑centric focus.

The popup reads:

Maps may show local ads based on your approximate location, current search terms, or view of the map while you search.
For your privacy, advertising information is not linked to your Apple Account.

Apple’s two‑stage rollout has caused some confusion. For example, a post on X claimed “Apple officially rolls out ads in Apple Maps,” which isn’t technically true yet, but users updating to iOS 26.5 will see the ads popup.

To read more about how ads will be integrated into Apple Maps, see our previous coverage: Ads are coming to Apple Maps in the US and Canada this summer with a privacy‑centric focus.

How has iOS 26.5’s Suggested Places feature in Maps been working for you? Let us know in the comments.