Apple Takes Over Apple News Ad Sales, Phases Out Third Parties

Apple (AAPL, Financials) has started selling advertising space within Apple News directly, ending its reliance on third-party sellers, Axios said in a report.

The move seeks to boost income for the business and its publishing partners.

Early trading Tuesday after the news showed Apple’s shares dropped modestly.

High-profile events as the Met Gala and the U.S. Open have premium sponsorship prospects included within the in-house advertising program. Advertisers will now have choices to fund certain Apple News streams. According to the source, a brand-new banner ad sponsorship unit will show at the top of the Apple News stream.

Unpurchased advertising inventory will still be accessible for outside vendors.

For its search operations and App Store, Apple, with its Cupertino, California headquarters, already controls ad revenues. The business used outside vendors to sell ad space within the Apple News stream in past years. The money these initiatives provide helps Apple’s Services division, which has been a main focus of expansion for the computer company.

Apple News+, a subscription-based variation of its news service, costs $12.99 a month. The Apple One Premier membership combo includes the service.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.