Friedberg @ 01:28:59Inconclusive
techai
Google will eventually introduce an ad-supported version of its Gemini AI assistant, with an option for users to pay to remove ads (a freemium ad/no‑ad business model for Gemini).
I think you'll end up having a Gemini that has ads eventually, and you could pay and have no ads, or you could not pay and have no
Explanation
As of November 30, 2025, Google has not launched a clearly defined ad-supported version of the Gemini AI assistant with a corresponding “pay to remove ads” option.
Evidence:
- On Alphabet’s Q4 2024 and early‑2025 earnings calls, Sundar Pichai repeatedly stated that Gemini does not currently have ads and that monetisation is focused on a free tier plus paid subscriptions, while noting they have “very good ideas” for future native ad concepts in Gemini and will likely explore ads later, not in 2025. (theverge.com)
- Multiple reports summarising those calls reiterate that Gemini is presently monetised through free access and paid tiers, not an ad‑supported vs ad‑free split. (news.aibase.com)
- A November 3, 2025 report says Google is experimenting with ads in AI experiences such as “AI Mode” and the Gemini assistant, and that ads are expected to appear in the free versions of Gemini, but also states that a full roll‑out will not happen in 2025—indicating plans and early tests, not a launched, stable business model. (voice.lapaas.com)
- Current public descriptions of Gemini pricing (as of mid‑2025) list a free tier, a $20/month Gemini/AI Pro tier, and a higher‑priced AI Ultra tier, with no mention of an explicit ad‑supported tier where users pay specifically to remove ads from Gemini chats. (tech.yahoo.com)
- Google has introduced ads into AI-powered search overviews / “AI Mode” in Search (which use Gemini technology), but these are framed as search ads inside AI summaries, not as part of a Gemini assistant freemium ad/no‑ad subscription structure. (impressiondigital.com)
Friedberg’s prediction is about what will eventually happen, with no specific time horizon. The available evidence shows Google moving in the predicted direction (planning and testing native ads, hinting at user “options” similar to YouTube), but not yet delivering a full ad-supported Gemini assistant with a paid no‑ads option. Since the relevant future event could still occur after 2025, it’s too early to label the prediction as either right or wrong.