Filtr: A New Network-Level Ad Blocker for Apple Devices
Filtr is the first app to utilize Apple's new URL filters feature, blocking ads across the entire operating system—not just in the browser.
Key Details
- Developed by Kaylee Serena Calderolla, creator of the popular Safari ad blocker Wipr.
- Filtr leverages Apple's URL filters feature, introduced in iOS 26 and macOS 26, to block ads at the network level across iPhones, iPads, and Macs.
- Pricing: Filtr is a paid add-on to Wipr. It costs $5 per year or $25 for lifetime access, while Wipr itself costs $5 one-time.
- Unlike browser-only blockers, Filtr blocks ads in apps throughout the entire operating system.
How It Works
Filtr works through a combination of local and server-side checks:
- A blocklist is stored on the user's device and updated automatically via Wipr.
- When a user opens an app, a pre-filter checks the blocklist. If a potential match is found, it verifies against Calderolla's servers via Apple's proxy to preserve privacy.
- Ad networks serving ads from their own domains (e.g., Facebook, Google, Reddit) may not be fully blocked. However, some ads can be filtered based on specific URLs.
Privacy & Security
Filtr does not collect personal data, according to Calderolla's privacy policy.
- Apple's URL filter feature does not require access to personal information.
Availability
Filtr is available for iPhone, iPad, and Mac. It is a universal app; purchase applies across all devices.
As of the report, Filtr remains the first app to use Apple's URL filters feature.