Ads spotted in ChatGPT Android beta
ChatGPT might be preparing to show ads. Android app beta version 1.2025.329 includes new references to an "ads feature," featuring strings like "search ad," "search ads carousel," and "bazaar content." OpenAI hasn't officially confirmed the feature, but search ads would mark a major shift in ChatGPT's business model.
ChatGPT might not stay completely ad-free for much longer.
Reverse engineer Tibor Blaho spotted new code strings inside the ChatGPT Android app 1.2025.329 beta that directly reference an upcoming ad initiative.
Ads spotted under the hood
According to the leak, the APK contains references to an "ads feature", alongside specific tags like "bazaar content", "search ad", and "search ads carousel".
The naming suggests OpenAI is preparing sponsored units tied to its search capabilities, likely displaying sponsored products or links in a carousel format alongside regular search responses.
Why it matters
AI compute is wildly expensive, and subscription revenue can only cover so much. If OpenAI wants ChatGPT Search to rival Google on reach, turning on the digital ad firehose is the most predictable playbook in tech.
For users, the thought of sponsored banners creeping into conversational chat isn't great. Chatbots feel personal and authoritative, so slipping commercial placements into search results will be a delicate dance. If sponsored recommendations start feeling like biased answers, OpenAI risks alienating power users who value neutral, objective output.
Sources (1)
- @btibor91(opens in a new tab)Originalx.com