❯ OpenAI launches Images 2.6 with 50% faster generation and native GIFs in ChatGPT

Images gain motionOpenAI launched Images 2.6 on November 4 in the US, rolling it out across ChatGPT and Codex subscription tiers on web, desktop and mobile. Users can generate GIFs from a prompt or uploaded photo, adjust playback speed, and inspect or edit individual frames. The Verge notes that ChatGPT previously could not natively generate a GIF in one step; OpenAI demonstrated a dancing cat.

Reusable referencesUsers can save reference images of themselves, pets or characters for later creations. For recurring people, products and brand assets, this keeps reference material inside the creative workflow and reduces repeated uploads and explanations before each edit.

Two developer optionsAccording to official release information assembled by TestingCatalog, GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and Sunburst are also available through the API, with OpenAI claiming 50% faster generation. Flare prioritizes speed and can produce a low-quality image in as little as six seconds. Sunburst emphasizes detail and consistency across successive edits. Image markup and SVG exports support targeted changes and further design work.

More frequent creationOpenAI says ChatGPT and its API now generate over 4 billion images a week, up from 3 billion in September. GIFs and reusable references extend an asset into more variations, while faster generation shortens the wait between revisions.

▮ SIGNALImage generation is expanding into a continuous workflow of saved references, targeted edits and animated variations, multiplying the value of speed across repeated revisions.