"Apple's App Store will introduce additional ad placements in search results beginning in 2026, Apple said Wednesday. The move represents a significant shift in how users will encounter sponsored content while browsing for new applications. And the iPhone giant took pains to explain why it's making the move. Currently, when users search for apps on the App Store, they may see a single sponsored result at the top of their search results."
"For instance, searching for one social media app might display an advertisement for a competing platform that has bid on that particular search term and won the placement auction. But that changes next year with an increase in search ads, Apple explained in an update to its Ads website. Starting next year, Apple will introduce multiple ad positions throughout search results rather than limiting sponsored content to just the top slot."
"Apple points to compelling usage statistics to justify the expansion. The company reports that nearly 65% of app downloads occur directly after a user performs a search, making search results prime real estate for advertisers. With more than 800 million users visiting the App Store weekly and over 85% downloading at least one app during their most recent visit, the potential reach for advertisers is substantial."
Apple will introduce multiple ad placements in App Store search results beginning in 2026, expanding beyond the single sponsored top result. Additional ads will appear further down result lists and provide advertisers with more opportunities to reach potential users. Existing search ad campaigns will automatically become eligible for the new positions without requiring changes from advertisers. Developers and advertisers will not be able to select or bid for specific placement positions; ad placement will depend on bid amounts and auction rankings. Apple cites usage data showing nearly 65% of downloads follow a search and over 800 million weekly visitors.
Read at Cult of Mac
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