Sam Altman called ad-supported AI "uniquely unsettling" — but new ChatGPT code suggests otherwise as OpenAI faces losses through 2030 with no path to profit

Last year, a report suggested that OpenAI was planning to integrate ads into ChatGPT to generate more revenue amid rising bankruptcy claims. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman didn't categorically dismiss the claims, but indicated the move would be a "last resort".

According to the executive: "I'm not saying OpenAI would never consider ads, but I don't like them in general, and I think that 'ads-plus-AI' is sort of uniquely unsettling to me."

But as it now seems, a new leak suggests OpenAI is internally testing ads within ChatGPT (via BleepingComputer). Up until now, the AI firm has made the tool free for everyone, making its user experience unique compared to rivals like Google Search and Bing, which are rife with ads.

Of course, OpenAI also has paid subscription plans for ChatGPT, which ship with sophisticated and advanced capabilities, including extended access to flagship models like GPT-5, unlimited messages and uploads, and expanded access to Sora 1 video generation. These paid subscription plans will cost you anywhere between $5/month for ChatGPT Go to $200/month for ChatGPT Pro.

OpenAI's plans to integrate ads into ChatGPT were spotted in a beta version of the tool's Android app (version 1.2025.329), which was consistent with lines of code that heavily referenced ads, including ads feature, search ad, and bazaar content.

It's worth noting that this update hasn't shipped to broad availability, but it's a clear indication that the company is getting ready to incorporate ads into the tool's user experience.

This news comes after a recent report by The Information claimed that OpenAI was considering bringing ads to ChatGPT based on memory or user chats. If the company moves forward with these plans, it'll have set itself up in a unique position to leverage ChatGPT's massive market share to generate revenue.

As you may know, OpenAI is grappling with financial challenges as it strives to maintain its lead in the AI landscape, pouring billions into data centers, talent, and computing power.

A recent report warns that the company has no clear path to profitability through 2030. Even if it manages to overcome this hurdle, OpenAI would still need to invest an additional $207 billion to sustain and advance its cutting-edge developments.

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