ChatGPT Images 2.6 Adds GIF Creation and Two New API Models

By GameDrop Staff · Nov 05, 2026 · AI · 2 min read

Editorial illustration of AI model news — Image: GameDrop illustration

OpenAI rolled out ChatGPT Images 2.6 on November 4, and the headline feature is simple: ChatGPT can now make animated GIFs. According to AI Weekly's summary of OpenAI's announcement, it works from a text prompt or from your own photo, and it is live across ChatGPT and Codex on web, desktop and mobile.

Quick summary

New: native animated-GIF creation from prompts or photos.
New: reusable reference images for people, pets and characters.
Two new API models: GPT-Image-2.6 Flare (about 6 seconds per image) and GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst (SVG export and image markup).
OpenAI promises roughly 50% faster generation.
OpenAI says ChatGPT and its API now produce more than 4 billion images a week.

What is new in ChatGPT Images 2.6?

Two user-facing changes stand out. First, GIFs: instead of exporting a still and animating it elsewhere, you can ask for a looping animation directly. Second, reference images: you can save a person, a pet or a character and reuse it, so the same subject shows up consistently across generations. For anyone making memes, stream emotes or game fan art, consistency is the part that has been hardest to get from image models.

What are Flare and Sunburst?

Developers get two new API models. Flare is the speed option, quoted at about 6 seconds per image. Sunburst adds SVG export and image markup, which is useful for logos, icons and diagrams that need to stay sharp at any size. Pricing was not included in the summary we reviewed, so check OpenAI's own pricing page before building on either.

Model / feature	What it does	Who it is for
Animated GIFs	Creates looping animations from a prompt or photo	ChatGPT users
Reference images	Reuses people, pets, characters	ChatGPT users
GPT-Image-2.6 Flare	About 6 s per image	API developers
GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst	SVG export, image markup	API developers

Is it available in India and is it free?

OpenAI's announcement says the rollout covers ChatGPT on web, desktop and mobile. The summary we reviewed does not state which plans get GIF creation or whether limits differ by country, so we are not guessing. Open ChatGPT and look for the Images tool; if the GIF option is missing, the rollout may still be reaching your account.

Why does it matter?

With more than 4 billion images a week, image generation is now one of ChatGPT's heaviest uses. AI is also moving into game and creator workflows, a trend we also covered in how AI disclosures on Steam have climbed, and how the ChatGPT search claim compares with Google. Treat AI-made art with care: check platform rules before using it in a game or channel.