OpenAI releases GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and Sunburst models

OpenAI has released Images 2.6 for ChatGPT, Codex and its API. The developer release, GPT-Image-2.6, is available through two models: Flare, aimed at rapid iteration and interactive use, and Sunburst, designed for detailed compositions and more consistent editing. OpenAI says image generation is 50% faster than in the previous release, while Flare can produce an image in as little as six seconds when low quality is selected.

The update adds animated GIF and SVG output, markup-guided edits and a complexity setting with low, medium and high levels. Complexity controls how much planning occurs before rendering and is separate from quality; higher settings may increase latency and cause unwanted changes. In ChatGPT, users can create GIFs from prompts or photos, adjust speed, edit frames and reuse saved reference images.

Both API models use closed weights and are hosted by OpenAI. Pricing is token-based and the same for Flare and Sunburst: $5 per 1M text-input tokens, $8 per 1M image-input tokens and $30 per 1M image-output tokens. OpenAI reports more than 4B images generated weekly across ChatGPT and the API.