OpenAI rolls out Images 2.6 globally across ChatGPT and Codex

The latest image model adds one-step animated GIF creation, two new developer APIs, and arrives as weekly image generation tops 4 billion OpenAI has made Images 2.6 available worldwide in ChatGPT and Codex. The model reaches every subscription tier, from free users to paying ones, on web, desktop, and mobile. The headline feature is animated GIFs, generated in a single step. Users can generate them from either a text prompt or an uploaded photo, and the model returns a looping animation. Users also get controls once the GIF exists. They can adjust playback speed and edit individual frames. The update also improves overall image generation speed compared with earlier versions. The rollout began gradually on November 4, 2026, without a formal announcement from OpenAI. Availability now spans all tiers and platforms in both ChatGPT and Codex. Two new APIs for developers Developers get their own pair of options. OpenAI launched two API variants, each tuned for a different priority. GPT-Image-2.6 Flare is optimized for speed. GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst is focused on output quality. This dual-model approach is not new for OpenAI. The previous release, Images 2.5, also shipped with two API mod...