ChatGPT, the well-known chatbot from OpenAI, is available for free, although a premium version with enhanced features is also offered. As it stands, the free version has no ads, but this could change in the future as the company explores ways to boost revenue.
OpenAI’s Potential Plans for Ads in ChatGPT
During an interview with the Financial Times, OpenAI’s CFO, Sarah Friar, did not dismiss the idea of introducing advertisements for users of the free version of ChatGPT in the future, despite the company having several reservations about this approach. She views advertising as a possible avenue for increasing profits, particularly given the substantial expenses involved in operating AI servers.
Despite OpenAI’s current valuation exceeding $150 billion, reports indicate that the organization has spent around $5 billion on AI training this year alone.
Implementing ad placements on ChatGPT could serve as a method to generate revenue while ensuring the service remains accessible for free users. Earlier this year, OpenAI recruited several advertising experts from Meta and Google, which supports the notion that the company is contemplating this strategy. Nevertheless, Friar has emphasized that OpenAI must be “thoughtful about when and where” such ads would be introduced, and she proposed that this move is not imminent.
While the report mentions that OpenAI’s CEO Sam Altman is becoming more receptive to the idea, he has previously expressed a general disfavor towards ads, considering them a “last resort.”
Currently, OpenAI charges $20 each month for ChatGPT Plus, a more advanced version of the chatbot that grants access to the latest language models, expanded message limits, and image creation capabilities. The company also provides specialized subscription options for teams and corporations.
Earlier this year, Apple formed a partnership with OpenAI to incorporate ChatGPT into Siri, with this feature set to debut soon in iOS 18.2. Although sources mention that Apple did not pay for this partnership, the company plans to promote the ChatGPT Plus subscription directly within the iOS Settings app, which is likely to enhance subscription numbers once the update is rolled out for iPhone and iPad users.
The update for iOS 18.2, featuring ChatGPT integration, is expected to be publicly released later this month.
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