OpenAI announced on 4 November that its Images 2.6 upgrade is now available in ChatGPT and Codex across all tiers on web, desktop and mobile, with two new GPT-Image-2.6 variants exposed through its API.OpenAI1

The announcement, made in an official X thread that links to an OpenAI "Introducing Images 2.6" page Automatica could not access, adds GIF and reference-image tools in ChatGPT and names two API models pitched on speed and edit consistency.OpenAI2

OpenAI's X posts describe ChatGPT Images 2.6 as an upgrade that brings GIF creation and reference-image features to ChatGPT.OpenAI2 According to the thread, users can "turn a prompt or image into an animated GIF," adjust its speed, edit individual frames and share the final result.OpenAI2 The same posts say users can "keep reference images of yourself, pets, and characters ready to reuse in new creations," avoiding repeat uploads.OpenAI2

For developers, OpenAI said that two image models—GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst—are available in the API.OpenAI1 In the same thread, the company characterizes Flare as generating images "in as little as six seconds" and Sunburst as bringing "higher-quality generation and greater consistency across edits," and says the two models come "with 50% faster image generation," without detailing the baseline or test conditions behind that figure.OpenAI2OpenAI1 A separate X post by another user relayed the 50% claim without providing independent tests.@WesRoth on X3

The OpenAI thread states that Images 2.6 is available "in ChatGPT, and Codex across all tiers on web, desktop, and mobile" and that Flare and Sunburst are "available in the API," but does not specify which model powers ChatGPT itself, a point raised by one reply asking, "What’s the default model used by ChatGPT? Flare? Sunburst?" that OpenAI did not answer in the posts.OpenAI1 The posts also do not disclose storage limits or retention rules for reference images, rate limits or regional availability for the API models, pricing, or the methodology and baseline for the "50% faster" speed claim.

Automatica previously reported that OpenAI has agreed to acquire Pierre Computer Company and plans to fold its Git-based tools more deeply into the Codex coding product, with that deal subject to regulatory approvals.Automatica Press5