OpenAI released Images 2.6 on November 4, making it available globally in ChatGPT and Codex across all subscription tiers. Developers can use gpt-image-2.6-sunburst and gpt-image-2.6-flare through the API for image generation and editing, including animated GIFs and SVG exports. Standard API pricing for both models is $8 per million image input tokens, $30 per million image output tokens, and $5 per million text input tokens.
OpenAI says generation is 50% faster than before. Flare targets fast iteration, while Sunburst emphasizes detail and consistency across edits at medium or high quality. A separate complexity control adjusts the model's planning, and markup-guided editing lets developers identify where changes should occur. OpenAI recommends low complexity for most edits, reserving higher settings for scenes with more elements or constraints.
