Source: Michael Tsai
Apple is now placing promotional content directly in the iOS Settings app—a system utility most users visit only for device configuration—treating it as owned inventory for ads. This differs from App Store featured placements or search ads: settings access is compulsory and frequent. Apple is monetizing a surface previously off-limits to advertising, similar to how Google monetizes Android system surfaces. The move tests how deep into the OS hierarchy Apple can integrate commerce before triggering user friction or regulatory scrutiny.