Next iPhone Update Features Released-Users Notice ‘Ludicrous' Change
Apple's latest iPhone software update is drawing attention-some of which is negative-not just for its incremental upgrades, but also for a shift in how users interact with one of its core apps.
Early details from the iOS 26.5 beta suggest Apple is preparing to introduce advertisements into Apple Maps, a move that users have heavily criticized in the past and continue to criticize now.
Laying the Groundwork
The iOS 26.5 beta, released to developers this week, focuses largely on under-the-hood improvements rather than highly visible features, according to a report from MacRumors.
The update includes refinements to system performance and bug fixes. MacRumors noted the absence of any new Siri upgrades.
However, as MacRumors pointed out, the update's code suggests Apple appears to be laying the groundwork for search ads in Apple Maps, which would allow businesses to pay for higher placement in search results.
Why it Matters
Apple Maps is a widely used default navigation app on iPhones. The introduction of advertising could affect the choices of millions of users globally who search for results like “fast food” or “coffee near me.”
In an announcement on its website last week, Apple said ads will appear at the top of a user’s search results, as well as at the top of Apple terms a “new Suggested Places experience in Maps, which will display recommendations based on what's trending nearby, the user's recent searches, and more.”
Apple added that ads will be clearly marked for “transparency.” Ads will be clearly marked to ensure transparency for Maps users.
What to Know
The iOS 26.5 beta does not yet display visible ads in Apple Maps.
Apple could enable businesses to pay for sponsored placements when users search for locations, similar to how ads function in Google Maps.
Beyond this change, the update remains relatively minor. Developers are testing the update and features observed in beta versions may still change before a public rollout.
What People Are Saying
Commentators on Reddit‘s r/apple forum were deeply disappointed.
“Ads in Maps,” one critic wrote in disbelief, adding, “F***ing ludicrous.”
A fellow commenter compared the situation to Google Maps: “You tap the ‘restaurant‘ button and the first location is Sponsored.
“I'm not excited about this coming to Apple Maps, but I'll get over it. I think some people think it's like old school banner ads.”
Elsewhere, “the reason people chose Apple is they didn’t resort to the ads game,” an individual replied.
“Now they’re becoming exactly like their competition.
“Also this is just the beginning. I guarantee the ad situation will only get worse as Apple gets desperate for more revenue.”
Finally, one pundit quoted “Batman” to explain Apple’s situation: “You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become the villain.”
What’s Next
Apple has not officially announced advertising changes for Apple Maps and it remains unclear when-or if-the feature will be rolled out to the public.
The iOS 26.5 update is expected to continue through testing in the coming weeks before a wider release.
Newsweek has reached out to Apple for comment via email.
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This story was originally published March 31, 2026 at 8:30 PM.