Overview
- Some users on iOS 26.3 report that sponsored results no longer show the familiar blue background in App Store searches.
- The change appears limited to a small cohort, pointing to an A/B experiment observed and reported by The Mac Observer.
- With the highlight removed, paid placements resemble organic results except for a small 'Ad' label next to the app icon.
- The timing aligns with Apple's previously stated plan to display multiple sponsored results in search.
- Apple has not confirmed a broader rollout, and coverage notes the design could boost ad clicks while reducing at‑a‑glance clarity.