Apple turn to advertising to reduce prices

Richard Goodwin

According to The Telegraph, Apple may be considering introducing adverts into its devices in order to sell them at a discounted price.

Speculation began to circulate after news of a patent, which was filed in the US, and included “enforcement routine” software was uncovered this week. According to The Telegraph, this technology would force users to watch or listen to adverts with no option to skip through them.

In addition, users would be expected to participate in answering questions about the adverts to prove they have been listening.

The Telegraph suggests that answers to the adverts would be done through inputting certain button combinations - although, users would only be able to continue what they’re doing by getting the answer right.

The premise behind the patent is that the inclusion of adverts could lead to dramatic reductions in the price of Apple devices -- but are adverts a cost consumers are willing to bare?

Obviously, news of the patent has caused concern amongst Apple users.

Large technology firms reportedly file a lot of experimental patents each year, and the majority never see the light of day.

However, this particular patent, according to The Telegraph, features Apple CEO Steve Jobs’ name on it, which has raised concern that this could be something Apple is seriously considering.

Apple declined to make any comment regarding the patent.