Overview
- Some iPhone users who open reddit.com now see an undismissable prompt that blocks browsing and tells them to get the Reddit app.
- Reddit said the change is a limited test for a small subset of frequent logged-out mobile visitors who the company says have a better experience in the app.
- Users are complaining in subreddits like r/bugs and r/help and on X, with many saying the block kills casual or anonymous reading on the mobile web.
- The push lines up with Reddit’s ad business because the app lets the company track activity more consistently and personalize ads for its 121 million daily users.
- This move follows other contested shifts, including ending ad-personalization opt-outs and charging for API access in 2023, plus a 2024 data deal with OpenAI and legal fights over data use.