In the world of artificial intelligence, where tools like ChatGPT revolutionize daily interactions, there is a potential change that can affect the experience of millions of users. The latest leak from the beta version of ChatGPT on Android suggests that OpenAI plans to introduce ads to the free version of its popular chatbot. This information comes from the analysis of the application code version 1.2025.329, which confirms the growing speculation on the monetization of the service.
Leak Discovered by Enthusiasts
Historia zaczęła się od Tibora Blaho, dewelopera i entuzjasty technologii, który na platformie X (dawniej Twitter) podzielił się odkryciami z analizy pliku APK beta wersji aplikacji ChatGPT. W kodzie znaleziono liczne odniesienia do funkcji reklamowych, w tym frazy takie jak “ads feature” (funkcja reklam), “bazaar content” (treści bazarowe, prawdopodobnie odnoszące się do sponsorowanych materiałów), “search ad” (reklama wyszukiwania) oraz “search ads carousel” (karuzela reklam wyszukiwania). These elements indicate that OpenAI tests the integration of ads that could appear in search results or during conversation with chatbot.
According to TestingCatalog, which specializes in analysis of mobile applications, these changes in the code are not random. OpenAI, a company behind ChatGPT, has long been struggling with high maintenance costs for AI infrastructure, and the introduction of advertisements could be a way of balancing spending without raising premium subscription prices. Similar reports are confirmed by Notebookcheck, where it has been stressed that beta version 1.2025.329 contains terms directly related to advertisements, suggesting a swift implementation.
OpenAI Business Context
OpenAI, founded in 2015 as a non-profit organization, evolved towards a more commercial direction, especially after Microsoft and other partners' investments. 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 – it is estimated that a single query can cost up to a few cents. To maintain profitability, the company offers paid subscriptions like ChatGPT Plus, but advertising could be another step in monetization.
Leaking is not the first signal of such plans. Earlier statements by CEO OpenAI, Sam Altman, suggested experiments with new revenue models. Teraz, dzięki analizie APK, mamy konkretne dowody. Jak podaje BleepingComputer, te elementy kodu wskazują na przygotowania do publicznej premiery reklam, co mogłoby nastąpić w najbliższych miesiącach. Podobnie Yahoo Finance podkreśla, że to krok w kierunku “commerce-first monetization”, czyli monetyzacji opartej na handlu i sponsorowanych treściach.
Potential Implications for Users
The introduction of advertisements to ChatGPT could significantly change user experience. For free accounts, ads could appear as sponsored answers, carousels in search or even during conversation. Critics fear that this will disrupt the neutrality and quality of AI response, favoring sponsored content over objective information. On the other hand, supporters argue that this will allow for further development of the tool without price increases.
On Reddit and X discussions on this subject are hot. Users share concerns that ChatGPT will become another advertising platform, similar to Google Search or Facebook. However, OpenAI can offer an option to disable ads under premium subscription, which would be a logical step.
What's next?
OpenAI nie skomentowało jeszcze wycieku oficjalnie, ale historia pokazuje, że takie beta testy często poprzedzają oficjalne ogłoszenia. Jeśli reklamy faktycznie pojawią się w aplikacji, to może to być początek szerszej strategii monetyzacji dla całej ekosystemu OpenAI, w tym wersji webowej i iOS.
Source: Mashable.com
