OpenAI Ships ChatGPT Images 2.6 With GIFs and Faster API Models

OpenAI shipped ChatGPT Images 2.6 on November 4, adding native animated-GIF generation and persistent reference images across ChatGPT and Codex clients on web, desktop and mobile. In the OpenAI developer community announcement, the company says users can "turn a prompt or image into an animated GIF. Adjust the speed, edit individual frames, and share it on repeat." A reference-image feature keeps saved likenesses of people, pets and characters available for reuse without re-uploading.

Two new API models ship alongside. GPT-Image-2.6 Flare "generates images in as little as six seconds," positioned as the speed tier; GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst "brings higher-quality generation and greater consistency across edits," and adds image markup plus SVG export. The company claims 50% faster image generation overall, without breaking out which workloads deliver that gain.

The usage figure is the one to mark. OpenAI says people now make "more than 4 billion images a week across ChatGPT and its API, up from 3 billion in September," according to The Next Web. Pricing for Flare and Sunburst was not disclosed in the announcement.