Starting October 5, when you search for a specific app in the App Store, you may be confronted with ads for another app, Apple said on its website. This is part of Search Ads, a program that has been in beta for a few months but will finally make its way onto your iPhone or iPad.

The ad will appear at the top of the search result list, and have a blue indicator.
Apple Screenshot via Gordon Gottsegen/CNETThis gives app developers an easier way to get noticed. By buying an ad spot, developers will have their app appear at the top of the search results whenever someone searches for a similar type of app. This gives app authors direct access to prospective buyers who are looking for the same type of app.
How will you know an ad from a genuine result? Ads will get a callout in a blue badge (see screenshot). You shouldn't worry about getting inundated with a million ads, either. Apple says that ads will only appear if they're relevant to what the user searches for, no matter how much developers pay up.
Apple has been working on cleaning up its App Store, but introducing ads could make the downloading experience a little less seamless for users who have to pick through results to find what they want.
Other big tech companies like Google and Facebook have been integrating advertising with their software for quite a while, so it may not be long until Apple decides to dedicate more effort into advertising to supplement its hardware sales.
Apple did not immediately respond to CNET's request for comment.
Mobile World Congress 2019: Get complete coverage from the world's biggest phone show.
Fortnite: Everything you need to know: Get the lowdown on Fortnite: Battle Royale, which is now in season 7.
Apple - USE TAG
-
reading•Apple's App Store will get ads starting October 5
-
Feb 15•Foldable iPhone suggested in new Apple patent
-
Feb 15•CNET Asks: Are there too many video-streaming services?
-
Feb 15•Apple ditches five mineral suppliers over failure to pass human rights audits
-
Feb 15•3 WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger alternatives
-
•See All
Discuss: Apple's App Store will get ads starting October 5
Be respectful, keep it civil and stay on topic. We delete comments that violate our policy, which we encourage you to read. Discussion threads can be closed at any time at our discretion.