Apple considering paid search for its App Store
Apple is considering implementing a paid search option within its App Store, to charge developers to display apps at the top of search results. Since announcing plans to shutter the iAd App Network from 30 June 2016, Apple has been looking for ways to make up the lost revenue. Over 100 Apple staff, including iAd Group’s top engineers, have been recruited for the project, which will be led by Apple VP and iAd head, Todd Teresi. The idea follows Apple’s decision last month to introduce seven new ad formats, featuring a native banner unit supporting ads that appear as standard News App articles, as the company tries to increase its estimated 5% share of the US mobile ads display business.

by Gavin O'Malley , Staff Writer @mp_gavin, April 15, 2016

Ever since Apple announced plans to shutter its iAd App network, I’m sure you’ve been wondering how it plans to replace that lost revenue.

As one possible solution, Apple is reportedly open to the idea of charging developers to have their apps more prominently displayed in its App Store.

That’s right, Apple is considering paid search, as sources tell Bloomberg Technology.

Just as Google’s been doing for years, the company that Steve Jobs built might charge app makers to have their products displayed at the top of App Store search results.

And, this is no small endeavor. To bring the idea to fruition, Apple reportedly has 100 or so staffers on the job, including top engineers from its iAd ad group. Indeed, the secret initiative is being led by Apple VP and iAd head Todd Teresi.

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This isn’t Apple’s only money-making scheme, for sure. Last month, news broke that the company is readying support for ads that look like normal articles in its News app. Clearly outlined, a “native banner” unit is among seven new ad formats soon to be supported by the News app.

Of course, Apple CEO Tim Cook never thought much of iAd. Back in 2014, he called it a “very small” part of the company’s business. Earlier this year, eMarketer estimated that the program amounted to about 5% of the U.S. mobile display ad business.

That sets a low bar for Apple’s would-be paid-search business -- and low expectations are likely what the company is hoping for.