Apple Faces Backlash Over Intrusive iOS Ads for Services in Settings App
September 22, 2026
Apple has begun displaying banners for its own services—iCloud+, Apple Music, and AppleCare+—within the iOS Settings app, a move that many users find intrusive and persistent.
The promos reflect Apple's broader push into services, aligning with a strategy to grow services revenue as smartphones mature.
The timing of the ads comes amid price increases and new device launches like the iPhone Duo and iPhone 18 Pro, potentially amplifying user backlash over monetization moves.
Some users report that notification badges persist even after promos expire, fueling annoyance and a sense of nickel-and-diming.
Frustration is amplified on social platforms, where many compare the experience to ad-style prompts that disrupt the iOS user experience.
Promotions appear near the top of Settings and aren’t always easy to dismiss; in some cases users must wait for expiration or subscribe to remove them.
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TechRadar • Sep 22, 2026
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