Peter Kafka, on Section 3.3.9 of the iOS SDK Agreement:
It appears as if Apple may still be limiting its biggest potential rival–Google’s AdMob. Note the language about only allowing “independent” ad-serving companies to collect data: “For example, an advertising service provider owned by or affiliated with a developer or distributor of mobile devices, mobile operating systems or development environments other than Apple would not qualify as independent.”
Here’s some text from Section 3.3.9 itself:
You and Your Applications may not collect, use, or disclose to any third party, user or device data without prior user consent, and then only under the following conditions […] The collection, use or disclosure is for the purpose of serving advertising to Your Application; is provided to an independent advertising service provider whose primary business is serving mobile ads (for example, an advertising service provider owned by or affiliated with a developer or distributor of mobile devices, mobile operating systems or development environments other than Apple would not qualify as independent); and the disclosure is limited to UDID, user location data, and other data specifically designated by Apple as available for advertising purposes.
It seems that Apple is not banning all 3rd-party advertisers, just those who also sell mobile devices. In short, Google (and thus AdMob) ads cannot be served inside iOS applications.
Obviously, not everyone is thrilled with these changes. AdMob Founder Omar:
Let’s be clear. This change is not in the best interests of users or developers. In the history of technology and innovation, it’s clear that competition delivers the best outcome. Artificial barriers to competition hurt users and developers and, in the long run, stall technological progress.
I won’t lie — changes like this in the iOS SDK Agreement make me uncomfortable. Apple continues to close off competition within the iOS universe.
But on the other hand, Google has been going after Apple harder and harder. It was a matter of time until Apple took the gloves off.