Apple has added persistent 'ads' to iOS, and it's driving users crazy

Apple has begun embedding persistent, ad-like promotions into iOS’s core interface, placing unavoidable banners and recommendations for Apple services and apps directly inside system apps and settings. These placements aren’t occasional suggestions but constant elements that remain visible across everyday workflows, and users report they can’t be dismissed or fully disabled. The moves have prompted widespread annoyance because they turn parts of the operating system into promotional real estate, increasing clutter and interrupting tasks without a clear opt-out.

The argument is that Apple is prioritizing its services and potential revenue over a clean, user-controlled experience, undermining the premium feel that long attracted iPhone buyers. Critics say this escalation - from occasional tips to persistent promotional content - erodes trust and sets a troubling precedent where an OS becomes an advertising platform. The coverage documents user backlash, highlights how intrusive UI placements affect usability, and urges Apple to either remove these persistent promotions or provide straightforward controls to disable them, framing the issue as an important moment in how vendors balance product design against monetization.