OpenAI released Images 2.6 on November 4, 2026, making the image model family globally available in ChatGPT and Codex across all subscription tiers. Developers also get two API models, GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst and GPT-Image-2.6 Flare, for image generation and editing. The release adds animated GIF generation, SVG output, markup-guided editing and an adjustable complexity setting. (OpenAI announcement)
The real story is how these pieces fit together. Animation expands the kinds of assets the models can produce, while SVG output and more targeted editing controls address the work of preparing visuals for websites, apps and other production uses. Developers also get an explicit choice between a speed-focused model and one OpenAI positions for higher quality and more consistent edits.
What Is Available Now, and What Is Rolling Out?
OpenAI says Images 2.6 is available globally in ChatGPT and Codex across all subscription tiers, on desktop, mobile and web. That is the broad product-availability statement in its launch announcement. (OpenAI announcement)
The API release is also documented as shipped. OpenAI’s November 4 API changelog lists these model IDs:
gpt-image-2.6-sunburstgpt-image-2.6-flare
The same entry confirms image generation and editing, adjustable complexity, SVG generation and animated GIF generation. It also adds markup-guided editing for supported GPT Image 2.5 and 2.6 models. (API changelog)
ChatGPT’s GIF feature has a narrower rollout caveat. GIF creation is described as rolling out, so the model family’s global availability should not be read as a guarantee that every account has the animation interface simultaneously. The distinction is between a released model family, released API capabilities and the account-level arrival of a particular ChatGPT feature. (OpenAI announcement)
For developers, the practical news is that both API models are released. For ChatGPT users, access to Images 2.6 and access to its GIF-creation interface may arrive on different schedules.
Sunburst vs. Flare: Quality or Faster Iteration
OpenAI gives the two API models different priorities. Sunburst is positioned for detailed work and consistency across edits, particularly at medium or high quality. Flare emphasizes fast generation and editing, with improved layouts for posters, product imagery and other professional visuals. ()
