Highlights
- Evidence from ChatGPT’s Android beta app code suggests ads may soon be integrated with references to “search ads” and “ad carousel.”
- The move comes amid OpenAI’s financial strain despite $4.3B revenue in H1 2025 as it posted a $13.5B net loss.
- iPhone users can still access ad-free ChatGPT via Siri integration without signing in.

Caption – Photo by ilgmyzin on Unsplash
If you are a regular ChatGPT user, this update is for your interest. It appears the ad-free experience on ChatGPT may soon change. Fresh evidence suggests OpenAI is preparing to introduce advertisements to its widely used AI platform. Here’s what we know so far.
ChatGPT Ads On The Way
Hints of ads in ChatGPT surfaced when a user examined the code of the latest ChatGPT Android beta app (version 1.2025.32). Inside the code, several references to “openai.feature.ads” were discovered, alongside terms such as “search ad,” “search ads carousel,” and “ad target,” strongly indicating that ad integration is in development.
The possibility of ads on ChatGPT isn’t entirely unexpected.
In the first episode of the OpenAI podcast earlier this year, CEO Sam Altman openly discussed the idea and said, “I’m not totally against it,” and even noting that “I can point to areas where I like ads.” He mentioned enjoying certain Instagram ads, though he acknowledged that creating good ad experiences is difficult. This stance contrasts with his comments at Harvard last year, when he said he “hated ads” and considered them “a last resort” for OpenAI products.
The timing is notable as OpenAI’s financial performance has come under scrutiny. A recent report from The Information revealed that while the company generated $4.3 billion in revenue during the first half of 2025, it still posted a net loss of $13.5 billion, fuelling speculation about why ads may now be on the table.
It remains unclear how ads might appear in ChatGPT responses. There are open questions about whether ads will show up universally or only during purchase-related queries like asking for recommendations on home appliances. As Altman has previously warned, ad-powered answers could leave users wondering “who paid to influence those answers,” potentially damaging trust in the platform.
OpenAI has not officially commented on the development. However, the presence of ad-related code in the app strongly suggests that ad-supported ChatGPT experiences may not be far off.
How iPhone Users Can Use ChatGPT Without Ads?

Caption – (Photo by Solen Feyissa on Unsplash)
For now, there is a workaround to keep using ChatGPT without encountering advertisements.
Over a year ago, Apple partnered with OpenAI to integrate ChatGPT across iOS, iPadOS and macOS. According to multiple reports, this integration does not use queries for model training and does not display ads as long as you use ChatGPT without signing in to an account.
In practical terms, this means that when Siri hands off a question it cannot answer to ChatGPT, users can still access an ad-free version of the AI.
FAQs
Q1. Is ChatGPT planning to introduce ads?
Answer. Yes. Code found in the latest ChatGPT Android beta app revealed references to “openai.feature.ads,” “search ad,” and “ads carousel,” strongly suggesting ad integration is in development.
Q2. Why might OpenAI add ads to ChatGPT?
Answer. Despite earning $4.3 billion in revenue in the first half of 2025, OpenAI reported a net loss of $13.5 billion, fuelling speculation that ads could help improve financial performance.
Q3. How can iPhone users avoid ads in ChatGPT?
Answer. iPhone users can access ChatGPT ad‑free through Apple’s Siri integration without signing in, since Apple’s partnership ensures no ads or model training in this mode.


































