Apple has blocked ad blocker Apps that work outside of Safari, this has always been in the App Store terms for developers as Apple has always recognised advertising as being one of the main revenue streams for App Developers.
The review process on ad blocking apps seems to have changed recently with several ad blocking apps updates being blocked by Apple. This relates to 4.2 of the App Store Developer Guidelines:
“Your app should include features, content, and UI that elevate it beyond a repackaged website. If your app is not particularly useful, unique, or “app-like,” it doesn’t belong on the App Store. If your App doesn’t provide some sort of lasting entertainment value, or is just plain creepy, it may not be accepted.” https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/
The popular AdBlock app has started to receive some rather negative reviews recently with customers frustrated that ads are not always being blocked. However some users are recognising the fact that this is not the app developers fault as Apple has recently changed it’s enforcing of the App Store guidelines. https://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/adblock/id691121579
While this is annoying if you use an ad blocker you should have some sympathy with the App Developers you’re using their hard work for free and then saying “you don’t deserve to make a revenue from it” by installing an Ad Blocker.
Personally I think the best solution is to pay for any day to day apps you use which normally removes any advertising.
It’s not all bad news if Ads popping up really pushes your buttons , Apple is still allowing ads to be blocked when surfing the web via Safari Content Blockers however these are not VPN based so only work in Safari utilising the Safari Content Blocker
Your existing ad blocker apps will not be removed you just won’t be able to update them, also don’t expect any new ad blocker apps to fill the void as they will no longer be allowed.
Looking to the future I do not think it is unreasonable for App developers to expect to make revenue through Advertising or users paying for the Apps including paid upgrades on free Apps.
It will still be possible to use a VPN based ad blocking service by manually configuring a VPN connection in the iPhone or iPad settings this will however be less straight forward than simply visiting the App store and installing an App.
AI Usage Transparency Report
Pre-AI Era · Written before widespread use of generative AI tools
AI Signal Composition
Score: 0.03 · Low AI Influence
Summary
Apple has blocked ad blocker Apps that work outside of Safari, citing App Store terms and guidelines.
Related Posts
The new Mac Pro Tower: Wheels optional
So happy to see that Apple is going back to its ability to allow users to upgrade and customize their Mac Pro tower experience. There was much much love for the old Cheese Grater style Mac Pro and many are still in use because of their overall upgradeability and customization. Not saying that the Trash Can approach was bad. It was in line with their motto, think different. Coming up with a new and unique approach to power computing.
MacOS 10.15 Catalina Releasing this Fall
Wow things move quickly from year to year. No surprise here. MacOS Catalina brings a whole new level of cool back to the Mac in my honest opinion. I am so happy that Apple has decided to break out iTunes into multiple apps. iTunes back in the day was so awesome, easy to use and simplistic. Now it tends to be a power hungry and semi confusing app to use as its the defacto app for everything. How about that annoying feature that automatically launched iTunes when your phone was...
Thanks to our wonderful clients for a great 2018
--- This year was a year of Growth here at Grove Technologies. Our company changed brand, re-defined its core strategy and competency. During this time of transition we learned a lot about what we want to accomplish moving forward and the new direction that we will be moving in. That said I want to thank all of the passionate and amazing clients that trust us with their technology. We are proud to be able to claim that we are helping further many social justice, climate and advocacy movements as well...
Back Up Before Upgrading to Mojave or iOS 12
Poll a room of Apple experts about the one topic they can't stop talking about and many will launch into frustrated rants about how too few people back up. Backups are always important, since you can never predict when your Mac or iPhone will be lost or stolen, melt in a fire, or just break. But one time when backups are especially important is before you upgrade to a major new operating system. If you're thinking "What could go wrong?" the answer is, "Lots," and wouldn't you like to be...
Top Features of iOS 12 to Take Advantage of Right Away
Feeling left behind because you don't have the latest iPhone or iPad? Don't worry, because Apple has a present for you in the form of iOS 12. The new operating system promises to increase performance, particularly for older devices as far back as the iPhone 5s and iPad Air. This means that your device will be able to run more smoothly and efficiently, making it feel like a newer model again.
Seriously Cool Features of macOS 10.14 Mojave You Won’t Want to Miss
With last year's macOS 10.13 High Sierra, Apple made no sweeping changes, instead focusing on refinements and bug fixes. In keeping with the company's alternating cycle of releases, this year's macOS 10.14 Mojave boasts a range of new features that build upon the previous version. As expected, these additions are incremental rather than revolutionary, allowing users to gradually adapt to the updated functionality without feeling overwhelmed by drastic changes.
When Should You Upgrade to macOS 10.14 Mojave, iOS 12, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12
When Should You Upgrade to macOS 10.14 Mojave, iOS 12, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12? --- It's that time of year again, when an Apple user's thoughts drift to new versions of macOS, iOS, watchOS, and tvOS. Apple announced the new versions in June, and public betas have been available since. But once Apple makes macOS 10.14 Mojave, iOS 12, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12 available for free download, you'll need to decide when to install each.
How to Deal with macOS Server Losing Many of Its Services
For many years, Apple has sold macOS Server (previously called OS X Server) for those who wanted to run various Unix-based Internet services on a Mac. Server became popular because it put an easy-to-use graphical interface on top of the Unix apps, allowing Mac users to avoid complicated configuration files and reducing the need to work at the command line. This made it accessible to a wider range of users, including those without extensive technical knowledge, who still wanted to manage their own servers.
Sneak Preview of What’s Coming from Apple This Fall
At Apple’s Worldwide Developer Conference keynote on June 4th, the company unveiled the first developer versions of all four of its operating systems: macOS 10.14 Mojave, iOS 12, watchOS 5, and tvOS 12. They won’t be available until this fall, likely in September or October, but here is a glimpse of what you can expect from these upcoming updates. The new features and improvements will be detailed further at the conference, giving developers a head start on preparing their apps for the new operating systems.
Apple Pay Is Faster, Easier, More Secure, and More Private Than Using Credit Cards
You’ve probably heard of Apple Pay, but have you set it up so you can use it to pay for purchases at checkout? If not, give it a try, since it’s one of those living-in-the-future Apple technologies that feels like science fiction every time you use it. Simply put your iPhone, iPad, or Apple Watch within an inch or so of a compatible payment terminal (look for an Apple Pay or contactless payment logo), put your finger on the Home button to use Touch ID (or double-press the iPhone’s side...
