OpenAI Images 2.6: GIFs, SVG export, and two API models, Flare and Sunburst
What is it?
This is the new version of OpenAI's image generation, shipping in ChatGPT, Codex and the API at once. In the API you choose between the faster GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and the more precise GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst. New features include looping GIFs, image markup that lets you point at exactly what to change, and SVG export. There's also a new complexity parameter that sets how much planning effort the model puts into a scene.
Why does it matter?
OpenAI says it generates 50% fasterVendor claim than before, and that Flare at low quality can return an image in as little as 6 secondsVendor claim. SVG export means icons and illustrations can go straight into a website or app. OpenAI also says characters and product details hold up across repeated edits, which makes it worth trying in a marketing asset pipeline. Its advice: keep complexity low for edits and save medium or high for busy scenes.
Maturity
GAGenerally available on every ChatGPT and Codex plan and in the API. The blog post doesn't list prices; it points to the API pricing page.
How to track it
- Pricing: compare Flare and Sunburst rates with GPT-Image-2.5 on the API pricing page.
- Older model: watch OpenAI's deprecations page for a GPT-Image-2.5 retirement date.