Apple iOS 9 has arrived and for the first time ever, the new operating system of the iPhone allows ad-blockers in the App Store. Publishers cry foul as their number one source of revenue is threatened.
Apple iOS 9 recently rolled out and one of its most anticipated features is the availability of ad blocking software in the App Store. According to The New York Times, it has only been a couple of days since Apple announced that they have enabled ad blockers in the latest iOS update and there is already a surge in user turnout for these apps with well-known titles such as Peace, Purify and Crystal leading the charge in the App Store top downloads. It has been a while since iPhone users started complaining about ad tracking that slows down web browsing speed and is a cause for annoyance as well as distraction.
However, in the same report of The New York Times, publishers are complaining that this move by Apple is going to immensely affect how they earn money to sustain their efforts to create high quality content. An Apple representative said the iPhone allowed ad blocking because they want users to have a choice whether they like ads or not and to give them a more improved mobile browsing experience.
In a report by Wired, Apple iPhone users who have updated to the iOS 9 can get these apps if they want an ad-free browsing. "Crystal" is a $1 ad blocker that also disables tracking scripts. "Purify" costs $4 and does the same things but browsing becomes noticeably faster. "Blockr" is also $1 and it has the option for users who have bad Internet connections. "Peace" is the most popular which costs $3. Its maker however decided to pull it out as the clamor from publishers become stronger and more pronounced; they fear losing livelihood which will definitely have an impact on ad revenue which helps pay the bills for writers and publishers alike.
