ChatGPT adds GIF creation and faster image generation with Images 2.6

New capabilities for motion

OpenAI has officially updated ChatGPT and Codex with the Images 2.6 model. This latest iteration introduces the ability to create GIFs, which are short, looping animated images. This represents a significant expansion of the platform's creative capabilities beyond static pictures.

Users can generate these animations by simply providing a text description of the desired imagery. The system handles the heavy lifting of converting those words into a moving sequence. If a user has a specific character in mind, they can upload a rough sketch and pair it with a text prompt to guide the animation.

The company suggests that these tools are particularly useful for marketing and content creation. For example, creators can use the feature to animate brand mascots for specific campaigns. It can also be used to generate reactions for social media or create animated storyboards to plan character movements before starting a full video production.

Speed and developer options

One of the primary technical improvements in Images 2.6 is the speed of the underlying engine. OpenAI reports that the new model generates photos 50% faster than the versions that came before it. This efficiency is intended to make the creative workflow much smoother for high-volume users.

For developers using the API, the update provides two distinct choices for their outputs. They can choose between the GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and Sunburst models. These options allow for a specific balance between how quickly an image appears and how much detail it contains in the final result.

The Flare model is designed for high-speed performance, delivering outputs in as little as six seconds. In contrast, the Sunburst model is better suited for tasks where accuracy is the priority. Sunburst produces more precise images when the user sets the quality level to medium or high, providing a clear path for different project needs.

Global availability and access

The rollout of Images 2.6 is happening on a global scale. This means that users in regions like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt will see the new GIF features in the same apps as users in the United States. The update is accessible across web, desktop, and mobile platforms for all subscription tiers.

There is no additional cost or separate add-on required to access the GIF creation tools. They are integrated into the standard ChatGPT and Codex experience. While subscription prices vary by market, the core features of the new model remain consistent across the different tiers offered by the company.

For developers in the Middle East, the model is available in the API alongside ChatGPT. While the published API pricing is set in US dollars, the final cost will depend on the specific exchange rates and card provider fees of the user. This ensures that regional developers can integrate the new speed and animation features into their own software.

Refining the creative process

Beyond just creating new content, the update includes several tools to help users refine their results. Creators can now adjust the speed of a generated GIF or even modify individual frames before they share the final product with others. These controls offer a level of precision that was not available in previous iterations.

The model also introduces a way to maintain consistency across different prompts. Users can save reference images of specific items, such as pets, characters, or even themselves, once in the system. After saving these references, they can simply use the names of those items in future prompts instead of having to upload the image every single time.

These features are designed to streamline the production of recurring content. By reducing the need for repetitive uploads and providing frame-by-frame adjustments, OpenAI is aiming to make the tool more viable for professional workflows. The goal is to allow for more cohesive storytelling across multiple different images and animations.

Scale and market context

The release of Images 2.6 comes at a time of massive scale for OpenAI's image generation tools. The company recently shared that its platforms currently generate an average of 4 billion images every week. This high volume highlights the growing demand for AI-generated visual content across various industries.

As PCMag Middle East reported, this update follows a previous round of improvements that focused on faster generation and precise editing. The move to Images 2.6 builds on that foundation by adding motion, which is a logical next step for a platform already handling billions of requests. It positions the tool as a more versatile asset for both casual users and professional creators.

While the technology continues to expand, the company faces ongoing scrutiny regarding its operations. For instance, Ziff Davis filed a lawsuit in April 2025 alleging copyright infringement in the training of these systems. Despite these legal challenges, the rapid deployment of features like GIF creation shows the company's commitment to expanding the utility of its generative models.