OpenAI released Images 2.6 on Nov. 4, adding the ability for ChatGPT users to create looping GIFs from text prompts or uploaded photos and edit the resulting animation. The update also brings new capabilities to Codex and the API, including image markup, SVG export and a complexity control. OpenAI says image generation is about 50% faster than in the previous version. Developers can choose between two API models, Flare and Sunburst, designed for speed and higher-fidelity output respectively. The feature is rolling out globally across ChatGPT and Codex subscription tiers.
From still images to animated GIFs
The headline addition is the ability to turn a prompt or an uploaded photo into a short looping GIF. The Verge reported that users can adjust playback speed, edit individual frames and share the finished animation. OpenAI’s examples include animated brand mascots, reaction GIFs, looping product visuals and turning a hand-drawn sketch into a moving character. GIFs are lighter and simpler than full video generation, making them useful for short, repeatable content.
Faster generation and more consistent edits
OpenAI says Images 2.6 generates images about 50% faster than its previous version. The API offers GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and Sunburst. Flare is designed for speed; OpenAI says it can produce an image in as little as six seconds when quality is set to low. Sunburst focuses on higher detail and consistency across multiple editing rounds, helping preserve the appearance of characters, products and brand elements. These performance figures come from OpenAI’s own product information and are not independent benchmarks across all prompts and devices.
New API controls for developers
Developers can now use image markup through the API to point to a specific area that needs editing, reducing ambiguity in instructions. The API also supports SVG exports, allowing designs to be used in websites, apps and print workflows. A new complexity parameter controls how much planning the model performs before generating an image. Higher settings are intended for scenes with many elements or constraints, while lower settings can speed up simpler edits. The image-quality setting remains a separate control for visual detail and fidelity.
Availability and safety considerations
OpenAI says Images 2.6 is available globally in ChatGPT and Codex on web, desktop and mobile, with Flare and Sunburst available through the API. GIF generation also introduces new moderation challenges: a still image that appears acceptable may convey a different meaning when its frames are played in sequence. OpenAI’s system card says motion-related violations are harder to detect than issues in individual still images and that safeguards may not catch every problem. Users and developers still need to review generated content.