Apple has hired Lauren Fry, an experienced advertising executive for TV and Internet video, to expand its ad business and explore the possibility of entering the video advertising market. Fry previously held sales positions at AT&T and Comcast, as well as the position of chief revenue officer at Simulmedia, a digital video ad tech company.
Currently, Apple TV+ does not have an ad-supported tier, but the company has created an advertising sales team to air commercials during Major League Baseball and Major League Soccer games. However, industry officials predict that Apple will eventually include advertisements in its original television shows and films, possibly through an Apple TV+ tier sponsored by advertisements.
Apple’s advertising division, which was valued at $4 billion in 2021, is expected to grow over time as the company places a stronger emphasis on streaming and advertising. In addition to its advertising sales team, Apple has been displaying more ads in its iOS apps and the App Store. Oliver Schusser, vice president of Apple Music and Beats, is also now involved in managing Apple TV+.
Other streaming providers like Netflix and Disney+ have already launched ad-supported plans, while Apple TV+ remains ad-free. Nonetheless, with the addition of Fry to the team, Apple may be preparing to enter the video ad business and expand its ad revenue streams.
