OpenAI releases ChatGPT Images 2.5 with faster generation and more precise editing
OpenAI launched ChatGPT Images 2.5, a state-of-the-art image model with sharper details, more precise editing, and latency reduced by up to 50 percent versus Images 2.0. It better preserves subjects from reference photos and follows multi-turn instructions. ChatGPT adds Sketch, templates, comments, and prompt sharing. The API offers GPT-Image-2.5 Flare for speed and Sunburst for extra precision, available to ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex users.
On 8 September 2026, OpenAI released ChatGPT Images 2.5, describing it as a new state-of-the-art image model that brings sharper details, more precise editing, and faster generation to creative workflows. The company said people create more than 3 billion images every week across ChatGPT Images and the GPT-Image models in the API. Images 2.5 produces more natural lighting and richer textures, is better at preserving the subjects in reference photos, and follows editing instructions more reliably across multiple turns. OpenAI also reduced image generation latency by up to 50 percent compared with Images 2.0. The update focuses on image fidelity when working from real-life people, places, and memories. Image subjects look more recognizable, lighting and textures feel more natural, and distinctive features are more likely to carry through. For teams building with the API, this same fidelity makes reference-led workflows more reliable, so variations can stay anchored to the original source. Precision editing has improved so the model is better at editing only what was asked for while keeping the rest of the details the same, even with more complex subjects and backgrounds. During longer ChatGPT conversations, Images 2.5 follows specific editing instructions more reliably across multiple edits, with earlier changes more likely to stay consistent. In ChatGPT, OpenAI is introducing product features that give more control over the creative process. Sketch lets users draw directly in ChatGPT as a reference for the final image. Templates make it easier to start creating across popular image formats such as flyers and product photos. Users can now place comments directly on images for more focused editing, and they can share prompts they have used so others can try those ideas with their own photos and details. Images 2.5 is available to all ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex users across desktop, mobile, and web. For developers, OpenAI is introducing two new models in the API. GPT-Image-2.5 Flare brings the same improvements in quality, editing, and speed, while GPT-Image-2.5 Sunburst offers an extra level of precision for detailed creative work with longer generation times. The API model identifiers are gpt-image-2.5-flare and gpt-image-2.5-sunburst. Sunburst is positioned for workflows where editing precision matters most, and Flare for fast, high-quality everyday image generation.