OpenAI releases Images 2.6 with faster generation and GIF creation

NEW · Severity Normal. OpenAI announced Images 2.6 on November 4, 2026, with a claimed 50% faster generation, improved edit consistency and GIF creation. It is available globally in ChatGPT and Codex across subscription tiers, while GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and Sunburst are available through the API. What changed: new image models, image markup in the API, SVG export and complexity controls. Who it affects: creators, designers, API developers and ChatGPT users. Action: benchmark speed, quality and API costs before migrating production workflows. Deadline: none announced.