Apple is developing a new upgrade to its operating system. Rumored plans include a severe ad blocker added to Chrome. In this article, we discuss why they may have remained quiet on the plans so far.
There is no frustration quite like trying to read an article on your phone and being blocked and pushed around by invasive ads. The solution is a blocker, providing a seamless browsing experience. Apple is supposedly adding a blocker to its new operating system but faces a backlash from those who rely on ads to make money. In this article, we discuss why they have been tight-lipped about the move.
Apple’s Ad Block Plans
Plans to roll out a built-in ad blocker on the Safari browser, along with a text summary function, have yet to be discussed publicly. The worry from webmasters is that this will severely damage the monetization methods by which many websites keep themselves going. It could mean they can no longer show ads on Apple devices through a function that is rumored to be known as the web eraser. At the same time as ad blocking, Apple will summarize the page for them, rendering a visit to the website and time spent on it obsolete.
Although the devices are only rumored through leaks to the press, they are expected to be unveiled this year. It will be part of the iOS 18 and macOS 15 updates. It is also believed that Web Eraser will contain many similar features to 1Blocker, which is obtainable in the app store. This allows people to block ads, cookie notices, trackers, and other notices that spoil the user experience.
How to Block Ads
An ad blocker has become an integral part of smooth browsing on the internet. As websites have tried to bring in more revenue, they have resorted to filling pages with advertisements. In moderation, this is not a problem. Yet few websites seem to know what moderation is, with some of the biggest names having multiple ads on a single page. Everyone knows the frustration of trying to read an article, only for an ad to load and cause you to lose your place. When combined with legal notices regarding cookies and data collection, it is often not worth the hassle.
This has led to a rise in third-party ad blockers. They often attach to a browser like Google Chrome, and then work to remove ads from websites and even social media. They can even remove cookies, messages, and notices about legalities like GDPR. Many of them are also free, meaning you can enjoy a better web experience without breaking the bank.
The Duality of Ad Blockers
If you are a web host, the ad blocker can be a distressing thought. People will visit your website or blog, but you won’t have a chance to make any money from the experience. In recent months, websites have been putting up notices to ask people to disable their ad blocker before visiting the site. Some have even gone so far as to deny access to those using an ad blocker. However, this is a tactic that needs to be very carefully considered before its application.
When denying access, or putting up a barrier to those using ad blockers, you will lose a lot of traffic. This can result in fewer people visiting a site, and the bounce rate will increase exponentially. Almost half of the population will not wait more than three seconds for a website to load. You are adding to their frustration when accessing the site by placing an ad blocker notice in their way.
Finally, it is highly unlikely anyone is going to disable their adblocker. They installed this for a reason. Unless you have the most unique content that is not available elsewhere on Google, you are giving visitors very little reason to visit you, and they may just go elsewhere.
Editorial Accountability
Just under 20% of internet users browse with Safari. Over of them use Google Chrome. Yet even Google apparently has similar plans that will be rolled out next year. This could result in an ad revenue drop of around 50% for most websites.
More worrying is the thought of editorial accountability on the part of Apple. If AI can summarize a website, it means that people no longer need to visit that site. They lose visitors and money and eventually close down. In a vicious cycle, this will then leave Apple AI with no websites left to scrape.
It is also assumed that this AI will redact and change articles. This can lead to important information being omitted, content being changed, and articles having their point of view and tone of voice removed. This would have a huge impact on the type of writing on the web in general, severely reducing its complexity to a dumbed-down state.
It seems like Apple is keeping a tight lid on their plans, perhaps for fear of a backlash. It is an issue many want to resolve. Websites need to cut down on their ads for user experience but still need the revenue they bring. Perhaps a medium can be reached in the near future. If not, it could mean a huge collapse of the web’s infrastructure.
