GPT Image 2.6: What's New, Price and Limits
GPT Image 2.6, called ChatGPT Images 2.6 in ChatGPT, was released by OpenAI on Nov 4, 2026, adding GIF and SVG output. It isn't on this site yet and is expected in 2-3 days (updated Nov 5, 2026). The box below uses GPT Image 2.5 until then, so you can start refining your prompt.
What is GPT Image 2.6?
GPT Image 2.6 is an OpenAI image model available in ChatGPT, Codex and the API. OpenAI says it generates images 50% faster than before. The API has two versions, Flare and Sunburst. This site is an independent third party and isn't affiliated with OpenAI. The poster here was made with GPT Image 2.5. We'll replace it with a new result once the model is live.
What's new in GPT Image 2.6
These changes come from OpenAI's documents. We haven't tested them ourselves yet.
| Feature | What OpenAI documents | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | 50% faster than before; Flare can take about 6 seconds at low quality | Drafts and quick revisions |
| GIF output | Animated GIFs from a prompt through the generation endpoint | Mascots, reactions, short loops |
| SVG output | Still vector files with no scripts or embedded raster images, one per request | Logos and icons |
| Markup edits | Mark an area on a transparent layer and describe the change | Changing one spot in an image |
| Complexity control | low, medium or high, set separately from quality | Simple edits vs crowded scenes |
Sources: OpenAI image generation guide and API pricing, checked Nov 5, 2026.
GIF and SVG limits
GIF and SVG are separate outputs, so the model can't produce an animated SVG. Both work only when generating a new image, not when editing one, and neither supports streaming.
| Setting | GIF | SVG |
|---|---|---|
| Frames | Default 9 at 200 ms each | Not applicable |
| Maximum frames | Guide says 64, API reference says 16 | Not applicable |
| Animation | Yes | No, still images only |
OpenAI's two documents disagree on the frame limit. We'll test it when we add the model.
GPT Image 2.6 price vs GPT Image 2.5
Both 2.6 models cost the same in the OpenAI API: $5 per million text input tokens, $8 per million image input tokens and $30 per million image output tokens. Low and medium quality cost more per image than 2.5, while high and max match. OpenAI doesn't list a price per GIF or SVG, and our own 2.6 price will be published when the model goes live.
| OpenAI API, 1K, per image | GPT Image 2.6 | GPT Image 2.5 |
|---|---|---|
| Low | About $0.025 | About $0.006 |
| Medium | About $0.044 | About $0.013 |
| High | About $0.053 | About $0.053 |
| Max | About $0.21 | About $0.21 |
Image output only. Estimates from OpenAI's calculator, checked Nov 5, 2026.
Flare vs Sunburst
Choose Flare when speed matters and you plan to revise often. Choose Sunburst for detailed images and edits that have to stay consistent across several rounds.
| Flare | Sunburst | |
|---|---|---|
| Built for | Fast iteration | Detailed work and image editing |
| OpenAI's note | About 6 seconds at low quality at best | More consistent details from edit to edit at medium or high quality |
| API model | gpt-image-2.6-flare | gpt-image-2.6-sunburst |
What you can do today
Use GPT Image 2.5 to work out your prompt now. We made these two images with it on Nov 5, 2026, at 1K, in one try and with no retouching. They don't show what the new model can do. Need a GIF from an SVG you already have? Our free SVG to GIF converter does that in your browser.
Get ready for the switch
No download needed. It all works in your browser.
Write your prompt with 2.5
Describe the use, the subject, any text in the image and the background in the box above.
Pick what needs 2.6
Set aside anything that needs a GIF, an SVG or fast revisions. GPT Image 2.5 can handle everyday images.
Switch when it's live
Once it's added, change the model and compare the result and credits using the same prompt.
Start with GPT Image 2.5
The new model is expected here in 2-3 days. Try your prompt on 2.5 today.
Common questions
Status updated Nov 5, 2026. OpenAI's documents are the final word on its features.
Yes, in OpenAI's ChatGPT, Codex and API. It isn't on this site yet and is expected in 2-3 days.
In the OpenAI API, a 1K image costs about $0.025 to $0.21 for image output, depending on quality. Our price will be published when we add it.
Yes. OpenAI documents animated GIF output through the API, and ChatGPT is rolling GIFs out too. We'll confirm how it works here when the model is live.
Yes, through the API. Each request returns one still SVG, so it can't produce an animated SVG.
Flare is built for fast iteration. Sunburst is built for detailed images and consistent edits. Their token prices are the same.
No. This is an independent third-party site. For official details, read OpenAI's image generation guide.