Apple Confirms More Ads Are Coming to App Store Search in March
Apple will soon show two advertisements in App Store search results, a significant expansion of its advertising business expected to launch in March.
Key Changes to App Store Search
- New Ad Slot: A second advertisement will appear at the bottom of search results.
- Current Setup: Currently, only one ad appears at the top of search results.
- Timeline: The change is expected to go live in March, according to a MacRumors report.
Apple has not officially announced the launch date or pricing details for the new ad slots. This move represents a clear strategy to diversify App Store revenue beyond the standard 30% commission on in-app purchases.
Potential Impact and Controversy
The introduction of a second ad is likely to be controversial. Critics argue it will make discovering apps harder by consuming valuable screen space with potentially irrelevant promotions.
This follows Apple’s gradual expansion of ads within its digital storefront. The company first introduced search ads in 2016 and later added ads to the prominent “Today” tab in 2022.
Broader Context: Apple’s Monetisation Push
The new ad slots signal a more aggressive monetisation approach for the App Store. This comes as Apple faces mounting pressure from global regulators and developers to reduce its commission fees. Increased advertising revenue could help offset potential losses from fee reductions.
User reaction remains uncertain. While some may find the additional ads intrusive, others may accept them if the promotions are highly relevant to their searches.
