In its three years of availability, ChatGPT has managed to avoid introducing adverts, even on its free plan. However, that could be about to change, according to a recent leak.
Engineer Tbor Blaho, known for his AI insights and leaks, posted an image on X. This shows references to "ads features," as well as "search ad" and "search ads carousel" in the code for the ChatGPT Android app in its next beta version.
While this was only identified in the Android app version, if OpenAI is planning on launching adverts, they will most likely come to all platforms, from iOS to desktop.
ChatGPT Android app 1.2025.329 beta includes new references to an "ads feature" with "bazaar content", "search ad" and "search ads carousel" pic.twitter.com/BdHOJIQHmANovember 29, 2025
For now, this is only a rumor and isn’t actually confirmed. The phrasing of the code also suggests that it will be limited to search functions. This could mean it is limited to OpenAI’s recent "Shopping Research" feature, which serves up products to buy alongside shopping-related queries.
It could alternatively be part of a restructuring of ChatGPT plans. Currently, the free version of ChatGPT simply limits users on what they can use and puts usage limits on prompts.
However, an easy way for OpenAI to boost profit would be to implement adverts to free users, offering an ad-free version to all those who are paying.
How likely are adverts on ChatGPT?
Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, has previously held a clear stance on adverts, stating last year that they would only be used as a last resort. This follows the company’s long-held stance against adverts.
However, since then, the position has started to shift. In recent months, Altman has said that the way Instagram integrates adverts has changed his opinion on them. He went on to say that there could be a way OpenAI could find “some cool product ad” that would be a “net win to the user.”
Altman’s change in opinion lines up with a very real problem that is occurring in the AI space: how do you match profits to the obscenely high costs of the industry?
OpenAI is in the process of changing from a research charity that was focused on advancing the industry to a business. This means the need to find profitable avenues is more important than ever.
Currently, the vast majority of profits for the company (outside investments) is coming from paid subscribers. However, there is a largely untapped market, consisting of the huge number of people on ChatGPT’s free plan.
While nothing is confirmed yet, there is a high likelihood that OpenAI could soon have adverts, and maybe its competitors will follow quickly.
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