My Thoughts on a Clever iOS Ad Blocking Shortcut I Saw Online

I recently encountered an interesting discussion about a custom iOS shortcut designed to quickly bypass paywalls and ads. The user described a setup where tapping a button within their browser would trigger a series of actions, essentially redirecting the current page through services like 12ft.io, the Wayback Machine, and other archiving sites, all with the goal of accessing the article content without ads or subscription nags.

This got me thinking about the various approaches to ad blocking on mobile, particularly within the iOS ecosystem, and the trade-offs involved. While dedicated ad blockers offer comprehensive protection, this shortcut method presents a unique, on-demand solution. Let's explore the implications and potential benefits of such an approach.

Understanding the Shortcut Method

Before diving into my thoughts, let’s break down what this shortcut likely does:

1. User Activation: The user initiates the shortcut via a button or gesture within their browser (likely Safari, given iOS restrictions).
2. URL Extraction: The shortcut extracts the URL of the currently open webpage.
3. Service Redirection: The URL is then passed to a series of web services, each designed to bypass paywalls or display archived versions of the page.
4. 12ft.io: This service attempts to extract the article content, removing ads and paywall restrictions.
5. Wayback Machine: If 12ft.io fails, the shortcut redirects to the Wayback Machine, which may have a cached version of the page from before the paywall was implemented.
6. Other Archive Sites: The shortcut may include other archive sites as fallback options.
7. Display: The shortcut opens the resulting page (either from 12ft.io, the Wayback Machine, or another archive) in a new browser tab.

Pros and Cons of the Shortcut Approach

Like any ad-blocking method, this shortcut has its advantages and disadvantages:

Pros:

• On-Demand Control: The user has complete control over when the ad blocking is activated. This is useful for sites where you want to support the content creator by viewing ads or where ad blocking might break the site's functionality.
• Bypass Paywalls: This method can potentially bypass soft paywalls, allowing access to content that would otherwise require a subscription.
• No System-Wide Impact: Unlike DNS-based ad blocking or VPN-based solutions, this shortcut only affects the specific page being accessed, minimizing the risk of unintended consequences on other apps or services.
• Circumvents Anti-Adblock Measures: Some websites actively detect and block ad blockers. Since this method doesn't directly block ads but rather retrieves content from alternative sources, it may be more effective at circumventing these measures.

Cons:

• Inconsistent Results: The effectiveness of this shortcut depends on the availability of the content on services like 12ft.io and the Wayback Machine. Not all pages will be successfully bypassed.
• Reliance on Third-Party Services: The shortcut relies on the continued operation and availability of these third-party services. If 12ft.io or the Wayback Machine goes down, the shortcut will be less effective.
• Potential Security Risks: While unlikely, there's a potential security risk associated with redirecting your traffic through unknown third-party services. It's crucial to only use reputable and trustworthy services.
• Not a Comprehensive Solution: This shortcut only works on a per-page basis and doesn't provide system-wide ad blocking. It won't block ads in apps or other parts of the operating system.
• Setup Complexity: Creating and configuring the shortcut requires some technical knowledge and effort.
• Privacy Implications: Using third-party services, even for ad blocking, could have privacy implications. Understand the privacy policies of each service used by the shortcut.

How This Compares to Other Ad Blocking Methods

Let’s compare this shortcut approach to other common ad-blocking techniques:

1. DNS-Based Blocking

• How it Works: DNS-based blocking redirects requests to known ad servers to null addresses, preventing ads from loading at the network level.
• Pros: System-wide protection, no app installation required.
• Cons: Less customizable, can sometimes block legitimate content.
• Shortcut Comparison: DNS blocking is more comprehensive but less targeted than the shortcut. The shortcut offers on-demand control, while DNS blocking is always active.

2. Browser Extensions/Apps

• How it Works: Browser extensions and apps block ads within the browser itself by filtering content based on predefined rules.
• Pros: More customizable, works well with specific browsers.
• Cons: Only works in specific browsers, can break some websites.
• Shortcut Comparison: Browser extensions offer more consistent ad blocking within the browser but lack the paywall bypassing capabilities of the shortcut.

3. VPN-Based Blocking

• How it Works: VPN-based blocking routes all traffic through a VPN server that filters out ads.
• Pros: Can block ads in apps, system-wide protection.
• Cons: Uses more battery, can slow down internet speeds.
• Shortcut Comparison: VPN-based blocking provides broader protection but comes with performance and battery trade-offs. The shortcut is more lightweight and targeted.

4. Local VPN Apps

• How it Works: Local VPN apps create a local VPN connection to filter traffic without routing it through an external server.
• Pros: App-based but system-wide, no external VPN needed.
• Cons: Can impact performance, requires app installation.
• Shortcut Comparison: Similar to VPN-based blocking, local VPN apps offer broader protection at the cost of performance. The shortcut is more focused and less resource-intensive.

Security and Privacy Considerations

When using any ad-blocking method, it's essential to consider the security and privacy implications. With this shortcut approach, be particularly mindful of the following:

• Service Reputation: Only use reputable and trustworthy services like 12ft.io and the Wayback Machine. Research the services before using them to ensure they have a good track record of protecting user privacy.
• Data Handling: Understand how these services handle your data. Read their privacy policies to see what information they collect and how they use it.
• HTTPS Encryption: Ensure that the services you're using support HTTPS encryption to protect your traffic from eavesdropping.
• Shortcut Permissions: Be careful when granting permissions to the shortcut. Only grant the necessary permissions to access the webpage URL.

Alternatives and Improvements

While this shortcut is a clever idea, there are some potential alternatives and improvements to consider:

• Integration with Reader Mode: On iOS, Safari has a built-in Reader Mode that strips away ads and formatting, providing a clean reading experience. A shortcut could be created to automatically activate Reader Mode when available.
• Customizable Service List: Allow users to customize the list of services used by the shortcut. This would allow them to add or remove services based on their preferences and trust level.
• Error Handling: Implement robust error handling to gracefully handle cases where the services fail to retrieve the content.
• User Interface: Improve the user interface of the shortcut to provide more feedback and control.

My Recommendations for Ad Blocking on iOS

While this shortcut method is interesting, I still recommend a combination of approaches for comprehensive ad blocking on iOS:

1. DNS-Based Blocking (Recommended)

• Why: Works in all apps and browsers, no battery drain, Apple-approved method, easy to set up and remove.
• Services: NextDNS, AdGuard DNS, Quad9, Cloudflare 1.1.1.1.

2. Safari Content Blockers

• Why: Blocks ads specifically within Safari, customizable rules.
• Apps: 1Blocker, AdGuard for Safari.

3. Consider the Shortcut for Paywall Bypassing

• Why: As a supplement to DNS blocking and content blockers, the shortcut can be used on demand to bypass paywalls.

Setting Up DNS-Based Ad Blocking on iOS

For those new to DNS-based ad blocking, here's a quick guide:

1. Choose a DNS Provider: Select a DNS provider like NextDNS or AdGuard DNS.
2. Create an Account (Optional): Some providers offer additional features and customization options if you create an account.
3. Download the Configuration Profile: Download the configuration profile from your chosen provider's website.
4. Install the Profile: Go to Settings > General > VPN & Device Management and install the downloaded profile.
5. Enable the Profile: Enable the profile in Settings.
6. Test the Setup: Visit a website with known ads to verify that the ad blocking is working.

Final Thoughts

This creative iOS shortcut highlights the ongoing cat-and-mouse game between advertisers and ad blockers. While it’s not a perfect solution, it demonstrates the ingenuity of users seeking to control their online experience. It’s a fascinating example of how people are finding innovative ways to bypass advertising and access the content they want.

I think the best approach is to combine DNS-level blocking with browser-specific content blockers and then consider using something like this shortcut on a case-by-case basis. This provides a layered approach that balances comprehensive ad blocking with the flexibility to access content in different ways.

Ultimately, the choice of ad-blocking method depends on individual needs and preferences. Experiment with different approaches to find what works best for you. Just remember to prioritize your security and privacy when using any ad-blocking tool. Remember to always stay up-to-date with the latest ad-blocking techniques and tools to ensure you're protected from unwanted ads and trackers. And always be mindful of the impact of ad blocking on content creators and consider supporting them through alternative means, such as subscriptions or donations.