Last updated: November 6, 2026.
OpenAI released Images 2.6 on November 4, 2026, bringing GIF generation, faster image creation, stronger edit consistency and new API controls to ChatGPT, Codex and developers.
Quick answer: Images 2.6 can create animated GIFs from a prompt, generates images up to 50% faster, improves consistency across edits, and offers GPT-Image-2.6 Flare for speed and Sunburst for higher-quality work.
What is new in ChatGPT Images 2.6?
The biggest consumer-facing change is GIF generation. Users can now turn an idea into a short animated loop instead of only generating a static image.
OpenAI also says Images 2.6 generates images 50% faster than the previous version and does a better job of preserving characters, products and visual details through multiple editing rounds.
How to create a GIF in ChatGPT
Describe the animation, the subject, the motion and how the loop should end. Prompts work best when they specify a clear sequence rather than only saying animated.
For example, a brand could ask for a mascot that looks at the camera, waves, turns slightly and returns to the starting pose for a seamless loop.
GPT-Image-2.6 Flare vs Sunburst
| Model | Best for |
|---|---|
| GPT-Image-2.6 Flare | Fast generation and rapid iteration |
| GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst | Higher-quality output and stronger edit consistency |
OpenAI says Flare can generate in as little as six seconds when API quality is set to low. Sunburst is aimed at work where detail and consistency matter more than raw speed.
Better image editing
Images 2.6 improves detail preservation during edits, reducing the identity drift that can happen when repeatedly modifying the same character, product or campaign visual.
Image markup, SVG and complexity controls
Image markup comes to the API so developers can indicate the exact region to change. The API also supports SVG exports. A new complexity parameter controls how much planning is used before an image is generated or edited.
Is Images 2.6 free?
OpenAI says Images 2.6 is available globally in ChatGPT and Codex across all subscription tiers on desktop, mobile and web. API usage is priced separately.
Best use cases
- Social GIFs and reaction loops
- Animated brand mascots
- Product-shot motion
- Storyboards
- Fast campaign variants
- More consistent iterative editing
FAQ
Can ChatGPT create GIFs?
Yes. Images 2.6 adds GIF generation.
What is Flare?
Flare is the faster GPT-Image-2.6 API option.
What is Sunburst?
Sunburst is the higher-quality option for detailed generation and editing consistency.
Sources
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