Developers are beginning to report seeing iAd impressions from several new regions around the world, indicating that Apple is finally opening up its mobile advertising platform to a worldwide audience.
Though there’s been no formal announcement out of Cupertino, the move coincides with the upcoming release of iOS 4.2 later this month which finally extends the iAd service to iPads. Previously, iAds were limited to the US and UK. Combining an international launch for iAds together with iOS 4.2 to include ad-serving to iPads, Apple is continuing its surge into the mobile advertising market.
With Google saying mobile advertising is now a $1 billion annual business for the search giant, Apple still has some catching up to do. Apple is moving at its own pace and executing on its vision despite a few hurdles — primarily, several big-name brands opting-out of the service due to over extended wait times and Apple’s tight control over the creative process. Still, iAds will undoubtedly become a force to be reckoned with sooner or later, even if it comes later than originally anticipated.
A formal announcement on the international roll-out will likely come when iOS 4.2 is formally released. We’ll keep you up-to-date on any new developments.