In a world of artificial intelligence, where tools such as ChatGPT are revolutionising everyday interactions, a potential change is on the horizon that could affect the experience of millions of users. The latest leak from the beta version of the ChatGPT app for Android suggests that OpenAI plans to introduce ads into the free version of its popular chatbot. This information comes from an analysis of the app’s code in version 1.2025.329, which supports growing speculation about monetising the service.
Leak Uncovered by Enthusiasts
The story began with Tibor Blaho, a developer and technology enthusiast, who shared findings from an analysis of the APK file of the ChatGPT beta app on the platform X (formerly Twitter). The code contained numerous references to advertising features, including phrases such as „ads feature”, „bazaar content” (bazaar content, probably referring to sponsored material), „search ad” and „search ads carousel”. These elements indicate that OpenAI is testing the integration of ads that could appear in search results or during conversations with the chatbot.
According to TestingCatalog, a site that specialises in analysing mobile apps, these code changes are not accidental. OpenAI, the company behind ChatGPT, has long struggled with the high costs of maintaining its AI infrastructure, and introducing ads could be a way to balance expenses without raising premium subscription prices. Notebookcheck reports similar findings, stressing that beta version 1.2025.329 contains terms directly related to advertising, which suggests a rollout may be near.
OpenAI’s Business Context
OpenAI, founded in 2015 as a non-profit organisation, has evolved in a more commercial direction, especially following investment from Microsoft and other partners. ChatGPT, launched in November 2022, quickly became a hit, attracting hundreds of millions of users. However, the free version of the service generates huge computing costs, with estimates suggesting that a single query can cost as much as a few cents. To remain profitable, the company offers paid subscriptions such as ChatGPT Plus, but ads could be a further step in monetisation.
The leak is not the first sign of such plans. Earlier statements by OpenAI CEO Sam Altman suggested experiments with new revenue models. Now, thanks to the APK analysis, we have concrete evidence. As BleepingComputer reports, these elements of the code point to preparations for a public launch of ads, which could happen in the coming months. Similarly, Yahoo Finance highlights that this is a step towards „commerce-first monetisation”, meaning monetisation based on commerce and sponsored content.
Potential Implications for Users
Introducing ads into ChatGPT could significantly change the user experience. For free accounts, ads could appear as sponsored answers, carousels in search results, or even during conversations. Critics fear this would undermine the neutrality and quality of AI responses, favouring sponsored content over objective information. On the other hand, supporters argue that it would allow the tool to keep developing without price increases.
Discussions on Reddit and X on this topic are heated. Users share concerns that ChatGPT will become another platform filled with ads, similar to Google Search or Facebook. However, OpenAI could offer an option to disable ads as part of a premium subscription, which would be a logical step.
What Next?
OpenAI has not yet officially commented on the leak, but history shows that such beta tests often precede official announcements. If ads do appear in the app, this could be the beginning of a broader monetisation strategy for the entire OpenAI ecosystem, including the web version and iOS.
Source: Mashable.com
