OpenAI says its new Images 2.6 model is now in ChatGPT and Codex on every plan. It makes images 50% faster and adds GIFs and saved reference images.

OpenAI says its new Images 2.6 model is now in ChatGPT and Codex on every plan. It makes images 50% faster and adds GIFs and saved reference images.

"Images 2.6 generates images 50% faster than before," OpenAI said on Wednesday, adding that it "is available globally today in ChatGPT and Codex across all subscription tiers on desktop, mobile, and web" (OpenAI, OpenAI on X). The biggest new feature is GIFs. OpenAI's release notes say "GIF creation is rolling out in ChatGPT," so you can "ask for a looping animation, or upload a sketch and ask ChatGPT to make the character wave" (ChatGPT release notes). The Verge reports you can then "adjust the GIF’s animation speed, edit individual frames, and share it with others" (The Verge). The second new feature is saved reference images, which "let you reuse a photo in later chats." OpenAI's example is saving a photo of your dog as Pepper, then asking for "a watercolor portrait of @Pepper" without uploading the photo again. OpenAI also says the model is "better at preserving details across edits, like a character’s outfit when you change the background." Developers get two API models, GPT‑Image‑2.6 Flare and Sunburst (OpenAI Devs on X). "When quality is set to low, Flare can generate images in as little as six seconds." Sunburst is meant to keep images more consistent across edits at medium or high quality. The API also gets image markup, SVG export and a new complexity parameter that "lets developers adjust how much planning the model does." According to OpenAI's pricing page, both new models cost $8 per million image input tokens, $30 per million image output tokens and $5 per million text input tokens, the same as the 2.5 models (OpenAI pricing). OpenAI says people "now create 4 billion images per week across ChatGPT, Codex, and the API." The Verge says that's up from the 3 billion a week OpenAI reported in September.

Try it: if GIFs have reached your ChatGPT, give it a sketch or photo you already have and ask for a short loop. Then use the speed and frame controls to tidy it up. GIFs are still rolling out, so if you don't see them yet, try saving a reference photo of a pet or character and reusing it in a new chat.