What's a good systemic ad blocker for iOS that you recommend?

[Arlen Holder]

In another thread just now, the topic of iOS ad blockers came up.
o App development, by Chris
<https://groups.google.com/g/misc.phone.mobile.iphone/c/MShq86Qpn_Y>

Specifically this post by badgolferman:
o <https://groups.google.com/g/misc.phone.mobile.iphone/c/MShq86Qpn_Y/m/h8nbx-6wAAAJ>
On Sun, 6 Dec 2020 21:19:42 +0000 (UTC), badgolferman wrote:
"Would you care to inform us how to do that on an iPhone?
Turn off cellular and WiFi service?
That won't work with games against online opponents."

Unfortunately, badgolferman was asking nospam, who usually simply waves his
hand like the Wizard of Oz whenever asked for how he does what he claims.

Hence, we're gonna need folks to respond who aren't unprepossessing people like
nospam who have absolutely no intent on ever being purposefully helpful.

I use AdClear on Android (which works great), but when I looked for it on
iOS, it unfortunately, turns out to be vastly crippled in functionality.
o <https://adclear.com/>

Which says, for Android the following:
"blocks annoying ads in any browser or app, while keeping you safe from
malware-infected ads. For enhanced security, AdClear Content Blocker
features built-in DNS protection giving you the freedom to select
from a popular list of DNS servers or choose your own."

But, unfortunately, for iOS, it's vastly less functional:
"AdClear Plus for iOS blocks ads in Safari, blocks trackers that follow
you from site to site, and takes just seconds to enable."

What we need is a good free ad-free _systemic_ ad blocker for iOS.

Looking up iOS ad blocker reviews, and noting many may be shills, we find:
o How to block ads on iPhone & iPad
<https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/block-ads-iphone-ipad-3627089/>

o The Best Ad Blockers for iPhone and iPad
<https://www.avast.com/c-best-ad-blocker-iphone>

o Best ad blockers for iPhone and iPad in 2020
<https://www.imore.com/best-ad-blockers-iphone-and-ipad>

In summary, you can set up your mobile device to never see ads, which
takes a bit of intelligence or advice from others who have been successful.
o Q: What's a good systemic ad blocker for iOS that you recommend?
--
It takes intelligence to set up a mobile device so that you never see ads.

[Arlen Holder]

On Sun, 6 Dec 2020 22:36:23 -0000 (UTC), Arlen Holder wrote:

> o How to block ads on iPhone & iPad
> <https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/block-ads-iphone-ipad-3627089/>

This article could only exist in an Apple based publication
being as badly titled as it is, as it only covers Safari.

o How to block ads on iPhone & iPad
<https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/block-ads-iphone-ipad-3627089/>

Nonetheless, let's summarize it because the goal is to solve the issue:
1. iOS Safari "block popups"
2. AdGuard (or AdBlock) Safari extension to block content

1. iOS Safari "block popups"
iOS has a built-in pop-up-blocker.
Open Settings and go to Safari & turn on "Block Pop-ups"

2. AdGuard (or AdBlock) Safari extension to block content
Install a third-party content blocker app (such as AdGuard).
In iOS Settings, grant the app permission to block content.
Fine-tune the app's filters so it blocks adverts in the way you wish.

Well, that was a bust.
o Everyone knows the problem with browser extensions

a. Even if they work, you have to add them for each browser
b. Resorting to extensions is often insecure at best
c. It does nothing for the bulk of your apps & activities

Let's move on to the second reference in the original post.
--
On Android you'd just install a system wide ad blocker & be done with it.

[Arlen Holder]

On Mon, 7 Dec 2020 04:07:53 -0000 (UTC), Arlen Holder wrote:

> o How to block ads on iPhone & iPad
> <https://www.macworld.co.uk/how-to/block-ads-iphone-ipad-3627089/>

Given that MacWorld article was nothing but a worthless Safari shill...
o Who on earth _reads_ that utter crap?

I guess it's my fault for citing "MacWorld" & assuming it contained
what the title said it contained, so I apologize I picked that crap.

Let's move on to the next article in the search found in the OP:

o The Best Ad Blockers for iPhone and iPad
<https://www.avast.com/c-best-ad-blocker-iphone>

"Many iOS ad blockers are built to work with Safari, so we'll be
focusing mostly on those. If you use a different browser,
you may need to consider other options."

Any blocker that only works inside of Safari is worthless
o So let's see what their "other" solution is

Surprise. It's an Avast product (again my fault for trusting the title).
o Avast Secure Browser <https://www.avast.com/secure-browser#ios>

"With a free built-in VPN, the Secure & Private Mode blocks ads
and trackers, while disguising your IP address and deleting
all your browser data and history as soon as you're done."

o iOS
<https://apps.apple.com/app/apple-store/id1517761023>
o Android
<https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.avast.android.secure.browser>
o Mac
<https://cdn-download.avastbrowser.com/AvastSecureBrowserSetup.pkg>
o Windows
<https://cdn-download.avastbrowser.com/avast/avast_secure_browser_setup.exe>

I installed this "thing" and will test it out simply because I usually have
a dozen browsers installed so that each one is set up for one site only.

But it's still only a "browser" solution...
o That's like locking only one car door and leaving the other 3 unlocked.
--
There must be a way for systemic ad blocking on iOS like we do on Android.