Apple has been in talks with the UK's Broadcaster's Audience Research Board (BARB) to figure out how to collect data for monitoring advertising results. Yes, the tech giant that prides itself on being different is now exploring the same ad-supported tier that its competitors have already embraced.

BARB, which already provides viewing statistics for major UK networks like the BBC, ITV, Channel 4, and Sky, as well as Apple TV+ programming, is now being roped into helping Apple track advertising metrics. Because Apple needs to know just how many people are being annoyed by their ads.

Not content with just the UK, Apple has also reportedly been chatting with ratings organisations in the United States. No stone will be left unturned in their quest to bombard Apple fanboys with ads.

Apple has already dipped its toes into the murky waters of advertising with its live sports events, such as last year's Major League Soccer coverage. Even Season Pass holders weren't spared from the onslaught of ads. And in a move that screams desperation, Apple hired Joseph Cady, a former advertising executive from NBCUniversal, to beef up its video advertising team.

This is all based on the belief that competitors like Netflix and Disney+ have been raking in the cash with their ad-supported tiers. Netflix recently boasted record revenues, thanks in part to a 34 per cent increase in subscribers to its ad-supported tier. However, while profits have been increase, so has the increase in content piracy and even Blu-Ray sales.

Apple is now looking to jump on the bandwagon, especially as it reportedly cuts back on spending for Apple TV+ content after splurging over $20 billion on original programming.