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Key takeaways

• OpenAI announced Images 2.6 on November 4, 2026.

• The update applies to ChatGPT, Codex, and the API.

• OpenAI says generation is 50 percent faster than before.

• The API includes GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst.

• New features include GIF creation, image markup, and SVG exports.

What OpenAI announced

OpenAI announced Images 2.6 on November 4, 2026. The update is available in ChatGPT, Codex, and the API. The source describes it as an image generation update, and it includes both product and developer-facing changes.

The announcement says Images 2.6 is available globally in ChatGPT and Codex across subscription tiers. It is available on desktop, mobile, and web. The API also offers both named models, GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst.

Speed and model behavior

OpenAI says generation is 50 percent faster than before. That is a vendor claim in the announcement. The source also says Flare can generate an image in as little as six seconds at low image quality.

Sunburst is positioned for greater detail and precision. OpenAI says it has stronger consistency across editing rounds at medium or high quality. The source presents these as product claims, not as independently verified measurements.

New capabilities in the update

The announcement describes GIF creation as part of Images 2.6. It says the system can animate characters, brand mascots, and product visuals. That expands the update beyond static image generation.

OpenAI also says image markup moves from ChatGPT to the API. This lets developers identify where a change should be made. The source presents this as a workflow feature for editing requests.

SVG exports are another stated capability. The announcement does not add more detail about export limits or file handling. It only states that SVG output is supported.

Controls for quality and complexity

Images 2.6 introduces a new complexity parameter. OpenAI says this controls how much planning goes into a request. It is separate from the quality setting, which controls detail and fidelity.

The company recommends low complexity for most edits. It recommends medium or high complexity for scenes with many constraints. This guidance appears in the announcement as usage advice from OpenAI.

Availability and documentation

OpenAI says the update is available globally in ChatGPT and Codex across subscription tiers. The API access includes both GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst. The announcement also links to separate pricing and safety documentation.

The source does not list prices in the article. It also does not provide the contents of the safety documentation. Those details are referenced, but not included in the announcement text.

Editorial note on operational considerations

The main operational change in this release is the addition of more control. Users can now adjust both quality and complexity. That may help teams match output to the type of request they are making.

The update also separates speed and precision across the two named models. Flare is described as faster at low quality. Sunburst is described as stronger on detail and consistency at medium or high quality. Readers should treat these as OpenAI's stated product positions.

What this means for users

For ChatGPT and Codex users, Images 2.6 adds new generation and editing options within those products. For API users, the update adds two model choices and new controls for planning and fidelity.

The announcement focuses on capability, speed, and workflow support. It does not include local deployment details, customer partnerships, or local pricing. It also does not add any Morocco-specific information.