Google are considering adding ads to Gemini appaccording to comments made by Alphabet Chief Commercial Officer Philipp Schindler during the company’s first quarter 2026 earnings conference call. Schindler confirmed that Google’s current approach is to first develop an ad format for AI mode in Google Search, with the Gemini app as a possible follow-up if that format is successful.
“Ads have always been an important part of scaling products to reach billions of users,” Schindler said. “And when done right, ads can provide valuable and relevant business information.” He added that the company is not rushing its plans and will share details at the appropriate time.
What Google has confirmed about ads in the Gemini app
Google has not announced a specific ad format for Gemini or provided a timeline for its launch. Schindler’s comments indicate that ads within the Gemini app are being actively considered and that AI Mode is serving as a testing ground before any broader rollout.
Reports from late 2025 suggested that Google was already exploring ads on Gemini at the time, but another executive declined to confirm those plans when asked. The Q1 2026 earnings call offered a more open acknowledgment that the feature is under evaluation.
Why AI Mode is Google’s Testing Ground for Gemini Ads
Google confirmed this week that ads will be coming to Apple Maps starting in summer 2026. Currently, the Gemini app works without ads. It offers a paid subscription called Google AI Pro for $20 a month, which provides access to enhanced Gemini features. Since its launch, the free version has no advertising.
Google has not yet specified what an ad would look like within Gemini, whether it would appear during conversations, or how it would be labeled.
