opinion

Apple’s iAds Network Is in Decline

"The emotion of TV. The interactivity of digital. The power of mobility. With iAd, you can now reach the Apple audience in their favorite apps anytime, anywhere with unmatched impact and precision” — or so the company’s version of the story goes.

Launched early last year with much ballyhoo, Apple’s richly interactive iAds program may not be following its own storyline, as a growing number of app developers appear to be having difficulty with declining “fill rates” for iAds.

Apple’s iAd network seems to have a ways to go in terms of reach, revenue and traffic-building ability.

TechCrunch reports that anticipated seasonal fill rate declines have not yet enjoyed their typical post-holiday season rebound.

The fill rate is the percentage of advertising inventory that carries an actual paid advertisement, rather than a so-called “house ad” or other freebie.

TechCrunch reported an overall rate decline of six to 18 percent, with some apps having none of their slots filled — comparing the situation to other mobile ad networks running near 100 percent full.

One ad exec told the site that “The general consensus among the advertising community is that it is a product they don’t want.”

Issues over pricing (with a million dollar minimum spend for each campaign); placement (ads are filled exclusively at Apple’s discretion, where and when the company wants); and universality (the iAd format is only compatible with Apple devices, rather than the crossplatform appeal of other networks); all seem to be taking their toll.

Intended to make mobile advertising look and feel more in line with television advertising, Apple’s iAd network seems to have a ways to go in terms of reach, revenue and traffic-building ability.

Related:  

Copyright © 2025 Adnet Media. All Rights Reserved. XBIZ is a trademark of Adnet Media.
Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited.

More Articles

opinion

The SCREEN Test: How to Prepare for Federal Age Verification

For those who are counting, there are now 20 enacted state laws in the United States requiring age verification for viewing online adult content, plus numerous proposed laws in the works. This ongoing barrage has been exhausting for many in the adult industry — and it may be about to escalate in the form of a potential new AV law, this time at the federal level.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How to Master Team Dynamics for Business Success

Having the right team in place is everything. Whether getting a startup off the ground and thriving, or safeguarding an established company, the right — or wrong — people can mean the difference between a successful venture and a failed dream.

Juicy Jay ·
opinion

Eight Steps to Fast-Track AI Site Approval for Processing

Artificial intelligence is a hot topic these days. AI technology is speeding up the way we do business across all industries and offers numerous benefits, from automating processes to increasing efficiency and scalability.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

How to Secure High-Risk Transactions With Network Tokenization

Ensuring the security of data as it moves through digital channels is the foundation of safe transactions, and crucial for your success. If your business can’t secure transactions, you’re exposed to myriad processing traumas.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Reba Rocket

As chief operating officer and chief marketing officer of Takedown Piracy, long at the forefront of intellectual property protection in adult entertainment, Rocket is dedicated to safeguarding the livelihoods of content creators and producers while fostering a more ethical and sustainable industry.

Women In Adult ·
opinion

Protecting Content Ownership Rights When Using AI

In today’s digital age, content producers have more tools at their disposal than ever before. Among these tools, artificial intelligence (AI) content generation has emerged as a game changer, enabling creators to produce high-quality content quickly and efficiently.

Corey D. Silverstein ·
opinion

How Payment Orchestration Can Help Your Business

An emerging payment solution is making waves in the merchant world: the payment orchestration platform (POP). It’s quickly gaining traction as a powerful tool for managing online payments — but questions abound.

Cathy Beardsley ·
opinion

Fine-Tuning Refund and Cancellation Policies

For adult websites, managing refunds and cancellations isn’t just about customer service. It’s a crucial factor in maintaining compliance with the regulations of payment processors and payment networks such as Visa and Mastercard.

Jonathan Corona ·
profile

WIA Profile: Laurel Bencomo

Born in Cambridge, England but raised in Spain, Laurel Bencomo initially chose to study business at the University of Barcelona simply because it felt familiar — both of her parents are entrepreneurs. She went on to earn a master’s degree in sales and marketing management at the EADA Business School, while working in events for a group of restaurants in Barcelona.

Women In Adult ·
profile

Gregory Dorcel on Building Upon His Brand's Signature Legacy

“Whether reflected in the storyline or the cast or even the locations, the entertainment we deliver is based on fantasy,” he elaborates. “Our business is not, and never has been, reality. People who are buying our content aren’t expecting reality, or direct contact with stars like you can have with OnlyFans,” he says.

Jeff Dana ·
Show More