ChatGPT's image tool gets 50% faster and can now make GIFs with Images 2.6
On 4 November 2026, OpenAI introduced Images 2.6 in ChatGPT, Codex and the API. OpenAI says it generates images 50% faster than before and can turn images into GIFs. It is available globally on every ChatGPT and Codex subscription tier. Developers get two API models, GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst, plus image markup and SVG exports.
The short version
- 01OpenAI says Images 2.6 generates images 50% faster than before.
- 02It can bring images to life as GIFs, such as an animated mascot or a reaction.
- 03It is live today in ChatGPT and Codex on every subscription tier, on desktop, mobile and web.
- 04Developers get GPT-Image-2.6 Flare (faster) and Sunburst (higher quality) in the API.
- 05OpenAI says people make 4 billion images a week across ChatGPT, Codex and the API.
At a glance
| Status | Confirmed (OpenAI's own announcement) |
|---|---|
| Published | 4 November 2026 |
| Company | OpenAI |
| Where | ChatGPT, Codex and the API |
| Speed | 50% faster than before, says OpenAI |
| New feature | GIFs |
| API models | GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst |
| Availability | Global, all subscription tiers in ChatGPT and Codex |
What is Images 2.6?
Images 2.6 is OpenAI's latest image generation model, announced on 4 November 2026. It is available in ChatGPT, Codex and the API.
OpenAI says it creates polished visuals faster and lets people refine them with more precision, keeping characters, products and brand details consistent as they edit.
How fast is Images 2.6?
OpenAI says Images 2.6 generates images 50% faster than before.
In the API, the Flare model can generate images in as little as six seconds when quality is set to low. That time is OpenAI's own figure for that setting.
Can ChatGPT make GIFs now?
Yes, OpenAI presents GIFs as the headline new feature. It says marketers and creators can animate a brand mascot, make reactions and memes, or build animated storyboards.
OpenAI shows examples made by OpenArt, whose CEO Coco Mao is quoted in the announcement.
GIFs are the native language of social media, and GPT‑Image‑2.6 lets every OpenArt creator speak it fluently from a single prompt.
Coco Mao, CEO and co-founder of OpenArt, in OpenAI's post
Who can use Images 2.6, and what do developers get?
Images 2.6 is available globally today in ChatGPT and Codex across all subscription tiers, on desktop, mobile and web.
In the API, developers can choose GPT-Image-2.6 Flare or GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst. Flare is the faster one. Sunburst is for more detail and more consistency across edits at medium or high quality.
Image markup, already in ChatGPT, comes to the API, along with SVG exports and a new complexity setting that controls how much planning the model does.
How many images do people make?
OpenAI says people around the world now create 4 billion images per week across ChatGPT, Codex and the API. On average that is more than half a billion images a day.
Why does it matter?
Faster results mean less waiting between tries, and GIFs add motion to a tool most people know for still pictures.
The speed figures come from OpenAI itself, so treat them as the company's claim until independent tests appear.
What's next?
OpenAI says it published a system card with its safety evaluations and safeguards for Images 2.6. It did not announce further dates in the post.
Questions people ask
Is Images 2.6 free?
OpenAI says it is available in ChatGPT and Codex across all subscription tiers. The post does not say what limits apply to each tier.
How much faster is it?
OpenAI says 50% faster than before. Independent tests have not been published yet.
What are Flare and Sunburst?
They are the two API models: GPT-Image-2.6 Flare, tuned for speed, and GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst, for higher quality and more consistent edits.
Can it make GIFs?
Yes. OpenAI says Images 2.6 can animate ideas as GIFs, such as a brand mascot or a reaction.
Where can I read the announcement?
On OpenAI's site: Introducing Images 2.6, published 4 November 2026.
Sources
Why "Confirmed"? We label a story "Confirmed" when the company or government announced it itself. Spotted an error? Email hello@openloopnews.com and we will correct it.
