Developers of Adblock Plus (ABP) ad-blocking software have unveiled a mobile browser for the iOS platform. It is now available at Apple's App Store, with features including online browsing, malware protection, and saving of a smartphone's battery life and digital data. An Android beta version of the new standalone browser was launched in May, and it will now reenter Google's Play Store.
iPhone users of ABP will have a few methods to block annoying ads on their handsets. They can use the default setting to stop all advertisements, or "whitelist" their favorite websites.
New ABP browsers will also provide the ability to use extra filter lists, customize blocked content, and change default settings. iOS users will get a few special features. They include easier bookmarking, better tab functionality, and smoother scrolling. The keyboard layout is also browsing-friendly.
ABP's release is just before Apple's September 9, Wednesday event in San Francisco. The tech giant is expected to make announcements about various products including new versions of iPhones, iPads, Apple TV, Apple Watch bands, and iOS 9.
Apple's new operating system will include an ad-block function for iPhones and iPads. In the past users could only install ad blockers by perilously "jailbreaking" their Apple gadgets.
iOS 9 will also include an Apple News app. It reportedly provides fast-loading and mobile-friendly articles from a wide array of news sources. Publishers will get all add revenue from the platform, according to The Verge.
Ad-blocking is convenient for smartphone owners, but creates a big problem for publishers. Many companies' ad revenue is primarily from Internet traffic.
However, Ad Block Plus claims that it wants to improve mobile users' surfing experience. Till Faidas is the company's co-founder. He said that ABP is grateful to Apple for the chance to team up for the ad-blocking software's development.
The transition from desktops and to mobile devices has been a logistical challenge for ABP. It must rely on mobile users to download a standalone ad-block browser instead of using an extension, according to Tech Crunch.
Adblock Plus was initially launched in 2006, and is available in ad-blocking extensions for Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer. .Globally it has 50+ million monthly active users.
This video gives details about Apple's September 9 event: