Apps that can block ads on mobile websites shot to the top of the charts after the release of iOS 9 Wednesday. This came after the newest OS update that gives Safari an ad-blocking capability.
Peace took the number one spot Thursday in the Apple App Store, followed by Purify Blocker and Crystal, which currently rank third and sixth in the paid app ranking, respectively. A host of other ad-blocking apps are reportedly on their way, according to Tech Crunch.
The popularity of the ad-blocking apps can be attributed to the manner by which web publishers have been inundating mobile device users with unwanted advertisements that not only intrude in the smaller displays of smartphones and tablets, but also eat up data plans.
Publishers are naturally up in arms against ad blocking prior to the iOS update. For example, Eyeo, the developer of AdBlock Plus, has been the subject of complaint by major broadcasters in Germany in a lawsuit that argued how ad blocking hurt their business, reported The Guardian. The case was dismissed.
The use of ad blockers in iOS 9 is simple. After an app is downloaded, one only needs to head into the Settings menu and enable the downloaded ad blocker. It will then be implemented across the system.
There are currently a few criticisms, as users have just begun installing and getting a feel of their ad-blocking apps. Their popularity in the app charts indicate that, so far, they are welcome. There are reports, however, that ad blockers are allegedly cashing in on their products. For instance, it was revealed that AdBlock has a monetization strategy called "Acceptable Ads," a scheme that allows certain ads to filter through if the advertiser paid a certain amount, BGR reported.
