Apple believed to have acquired mobile ad network Quattro Wireless

Although Google still hasn't had its massive buyout of mobile advertising giant AdMob approved, it seems Apple isn't taking any chances of the internet search company getting ahead in the smartphone stakes.

Reports claim that Apple has just acquired mobile ad network Quattro Wireless in a deal estimated to be in the $270 million region. Although unconfirmed at the moment, it's certainly not a difficult rumour to believe.

Quattro has established a lot of big industry contacts through its work in bringing online content to mobile devices. By delivering a lot more inventory to connected mobile devices, Quattro has helped publishers to maximise on their advertising ventures, and is currently ranked as the eighth largest mobile ad network in the US.

That ranking is sure to skyrocket with Apple lighting the fires, and could well offer the iPhone manufacturer a way to make money from the increasing number of ad-supported applications that it's currently unable to profit from.