IAd

IAd is an advertising platform developed by Apple Inc. for its iPhone, iPod Touch, and iPad line of mobile devices. It allows third-party developers to directly embed advertisements into their applications. Launched in 2010, it was discontinued in 2016.

History

Apple Inc. announced the creation of the IAd platform during an iPhone OS 4 event on April 8, 2010. The platform was part of Apple's acquisition of Quattro Wireless, a mobile advertising company. IAd was launched on July 1, 2010, with a reported initial investment of $60 million from several major brands.

In January 2016, Apple announced that the IAd App Network would be discontinued as of June 30, 2016. The decision was made due to the platform's inability to compete with other online advertising platforms such as Google AdWords and Facebook Ads.

Functionality

IAd allowed developers to incorporate a variety of advertising formats into their apps, including full-screen video ads, interactive ads, and banner ads. The platform was designed to deliver ads without users having to leave the app they were currently using.

The IAd platform also provided detailed analytics for advertisers, allowing them to track the performance of their ads and make adjustments as necessary.

Criticism

Despite its innovative approach, IAd faced criticism for its high cost and low reach compared to other advertising platforms. Some advertisers also expressed dissatisfaction with Apple's control over the creative process, as the company required all ads to be designed in-house.

See also

• Mobile advertising
• Online advertising
• In-app advertising