What happened
OpenAI announced Images 2.6 on November 4, 2026, saying it "generates images 50% faster than before" and keeps characters, products and brand details more consistent across edits. The company also says people now create 4 billion images a week across ChatGPT, Codex and the API.
What is new
You can now make animated GIFs, for example a looping brand mascot or a product shot. In the API there are two models. With quality set to low, Flare "can generate images in as little as six seconds", according to OpenAI. Sunburst is meant for higher-quality output and greater consistency across edits at medium or high quality.
For developers, image markup, already in ChatGPT, comes to the API so you can mark where an edit should happen, and SVG export makes designs usable on websites and in print. A new complexity parameter sets how much the model plans before rendering; OpenAI recommends low complexity for quick edits and medium or high for busy scenes.
What it means for you
In ChatGPT you do not need to change anything: Images 2.6 is rolling out on every plan. If you build with the API, test Flare for drafts and Sunburst for final assets on the same prompt, and compare speed and how well details survive several edit rounds. API prices are listed on OpenAI's pricing page; the announcement itself does not state them. Partner quotes in the post, from OpenArt and Figma Weave, are customer opinions, not test results.
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Sources & further reading
Based on the official documentation below. Features and access can change; check the provider before making a decision.
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