14 DAY TRIAL // Microsoft has recently started testing a new version of Microsoft Edge browser for iOS that integrates ad blocking capabilities, a feature that was previously rolled out to Android devices earlier this month.
On both mobile platforms, the ad blocking features are powered by Adblock Plus and are enabled by default, though users are allowed to disable them from the settings screen.
Keep in mind, however, that these capabilities are still in beta testing, yet judging from the fast pace that Microsoft has embraced for Edge updates, it shouldn’t take too long before all users get them.
Microsoft Edge on mobile platforms
Microsoft Edge debuted as a Windows 10-exclusive browser, being offered to users of Microsoft’s mobile and PC operating systems. And while Microsoft initially played down the chances to expand browser availability beyond its platform, plans have changed once Windows 10 Mobile bit the dust, forcing the company to switch to a completely new strategy involving rival platforms.
Microsoft Edge, which on Windows 10 is the Internet Explorer successor, comes with the essential feature package like extension support, and every new OS feature update brings further improvements.
On mobile, however, Microsoft is testing several major updates with Android and iOS beta builds, and ad blocking capabilities are the next important milestone in its release cycle.
Of course, Edge isn’t the first browser to come with ad blocking features on Android and iOS, and the most popular browsers on both platforms already offer similar tools. Native browsers, like Apple’s Safari, can also prevent ads from showing with the help of content blockers, which can be installed on both iPhone and iPad.
The new iOS version of Microsoft Edge with ad blocking can be downloaded from the TestFlight program, but in the meantime, the App Store listing can help you get a taste of Microsoft Edge before these experimental features are promoted to the stable channel.