The title, owned by News International, is working with several key advertisers on the project. One of these is thought to be retailer John Lewis.
The Times is offering brands free static ads within its iPad edition, which it launched in June 2010, if they take out paid-for print advertising.
This strategy differs notably from other newspaper groups, such as the Daily Mail, which sells its print and digital ads separately. The Guardian bundles ads, but not free of charge.
Critics have claimed that NI’s approach signifies that demand for advertising on The Times iPad edition has been poor, forcing it to change tack. However, others argue that it means the company’s offering is now more comprehensive.
Dominic Carter, commercial director at NI Commercial, said: "We are in a beta phase with some of our key advertising partners to ensure the robustness of our operational capabilities before we expand the tablet into a wider advertising proposition."
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