The mobile app ecosystem is plagued by intrusive advertisements that disrupt user experience, from unskippable video ads to deceptive ad formats. While users want ad-free experiences without paying for premium versions, developers rely on ad revenue, often at the cost of user retention. Apple’s existing privacy tools don’t fully address this tension between monetization and usability.

A New Approach to Ad Transparency

One way to improve the situation is by creating an iOS utility that crowdsources ratings for apps based on ad intrusiveness, while also providing alternatives and education. Users could access:

• A database of apps ranked by ad frequency and deceptive practices
• Recommendations for better alternatives with cleaner ad experiences
• Guidance on adjusting iOS settings to limit tracking

For developers, the tool could offer analytics on how their ad strategies affect user ratings, along with best practices for less intrusive monetization. Rather than blocking ads outright, the solution would incentivize better ad designs and highlight fairer monetization approaches—like reasonable paid ad-free tiers.

Balancing Stakeholder Needs

The key is aligning incentives across the ecosystem:

• Users would gain more control over their experience without paying.
• Developers could optimize revenue without alienating users.
• Apple would benefit from a healthier app ecosystem.

Revenue could come from developer subscriptions for premium analytics, affiliate commissions on recommended apps, or sponsorships for apps meeting "quality ad" standards.

Execution & Differentiation

A phased rollout could start with a simple app for crowdsourced ratings and alternative suggestions, then expand into developer tools and certification programs. Unlike existing ad blockers that work around Apple’s rules, this approach would operate within them—focusing on transparency, education, and fair monetization rather than technical interference.

By systematically measuring and improving ad experiences—not just eliminating them—this concept could help strike a sustainable balance for all stakeholders.