How can I stop ads from using my data plan on iPhone?

It is not a new setting, but it is buried deep within Accessibility settings.

Settings > Accessibility > General > Per-App Settings.

Under App Customization, tap Add App. Scroll down and tap Safari to add it to the list. Tap Safari and scroll down to Auto-Play Video Previews, where you can turn it off.

I don't think advertisers realize they are not winning me over as a customer if they are costing me money.

Neither are the websites that choose to host those intrusive videos. Consider not patronizing them, and telling them why they lost your business.

For online forums, you need to toggle the following setting:

1. Open Settings
2. Select Apps
3. Select Safari
4. Select Advanced
5. Toggle JavaScript

Javascript = off (no ads can load)

Javascript = on (navigation)

That’s how I do it.

Good luck! 👋🏼😉

Try the Wipr 2 ad-blocking app, and see if that resolves this issue.

So-called "news" sites are the worst offenders.