Independent release review
GPT Image 2.5: release date, Flare & Sunburst.
OpenAI released GPT Image 2.5 on September 8, 2026. The API offers Flare for fast everyday generation and Sunburst for precise editing. ChatGPT Images 2.5 also began rolling out across ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex.
By GPTImageGen25 · Last checked
GPT Image 2.5 release facts at a glance
Findings checked on September 9, 2026. Each source supports the specific finding alongside it.
| Question | Finding | Source |
|---|---|---|
| GPT Image 2.5 release date | September 8, 2026 | OpenAI launch announcement |
| Official API model IDs | gpt-image-2.5-flare · gpt-image-2.5-sunburst | OpenAI API changelog |
| API quality settings | low · medium · high · xhigh · max · auto | OpenAI image generation guide |
| Maximum output dimensions | 3840 px per edge; 8,294,400 pixels total; above 2560×1440 experimental | OpenAI image generation guide |
| Image output token rate | $30 / 1M tokens for both models; input costs additional | GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst model |
| Transparent image output | PNG or WebP with background: transparent | OpenAI image generation guide |
For a text version with the same facts and sources, read this review in Markdown.
01 / GPT Image 2.5 capabilities
What changed with GPT Image 2.5?
Flare vs Sunburst
OpenAI positions Flare for rapid iteration and Sunburst for detailed creative work that needs tighter editing control and longer generation times. OpenAI reports 50% lower latency for Flare than GPT Image 2; this is a provider claim, not a GPTImageGen25 benchmark.
OpenAI launch announcementReference fidelity and precise edits
Images 2.5 improves natural lighting, textures, subject preservation, and consistency across successive edits. Briefs can target a background, object, or text while asking to preserve the surrounding composition. Review the result for unwanted changes.
OpenAI launch announcementQuality, dimensions, and transparent backgrounds
Both API models support low, medium, high, xhigh, max, and auto quality. Custom dimensions must use multiples of 16, aspect ratios from 1:3 to 3:1, edges up to 3840 px, and 655,360–8,294,400 total pixels. Outputs above 2560×1440 are experimental. Transparent output requires PNG or WebP.
OpenAI image generation guideAPI pricing and image costs
Both models charge $30 per million image output tokens, matching GPT Image 2 token rates. This is not a fixed per-image price: quality, dimensions, input tokens, and optional partial images affect the total. Use the GPT Image 2.5 calculator; the GPT Image 2 calculator does not estimate 2.5 token usage. Workspace credit prices are listed separately.
GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst modelGPT Image 2 vs 2.5OpenAI image cost calculatorWorkspace pricing
02 / Official sources
What the documentation says.
These links go directly to OpenAI. Findings reflect our review on September 9, 2026; the linked pages may change.
01
OpenAI launch announcement
The September 8 announcement introduces ChatGPT Images 2.5 and both API models, with improvements to reference fidelity, targeted edits, and visual style.
Read OpenAI launch announcement02
OpenAI image generation guide
Documents generation, reference-image editing, transparency, quality settings, custom dimensions, and remaining text and layout limitations.
Read OpenAI image generation guide03
OpenAI API changelog
The September 8, 2026 entry confirms Flare and Sunburst in the Image API and the Responses API image generation tool.
Read OpenAI API changelog04
GPT Image 2.5 Flare model
Model ID: gpt-image-2.5-flare. Accepts text and image inputs for generation and editing; intended for fast everyday image creation.
Read GPT Image 2.5 Flare model05
GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst model
Model ID: gpt-image-2.5-sunburst. Supports generation and editing, with an emphasis on editing precision.
Read GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst model03 / What you can use now
Official availability and this workspace.
GPTImageGen25 offers GPT Image 2.5 and GPT Image 2 for generation and reference-image editing. The studio currently has a single GPT Image 2.5 option, three quality levels, and five aspect ratios. It does not offer a separate Flare or Sunburst selector; official API features may differ from the controls available here.
Image editing guide · Prompt library · GPT Image 2 guide
Open generator04 / Questions
Names, access, and announcements.
Is GPT Image 2.5 released?
OpenAI released GPT Image 2.5 on September 8, 2026. The API offers Flare for fast everyday generation and Sunburst for precise editing. ChatGPT Images 2.5 also began rolling out across ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex.
Was GPT Image 2.5 released on September 4, 2026?
The official release date is September 8, 2026. Our earlier September 7 review could not confirm a launch; this update replaces that finding with the dated OpenAI announcement and API changelog. September 4 is not the release date documented by those sources.
What is the difference between GPT Image 2.5 Flare and Sunburst?
OpenAI positions Flare for rapid iteration and Sunburst for detailed creative work that needs tighter editing control and longer generation times. OpenAI reports 50% lower latency for Flare than GPT Image 2; this is a provider claim, not a GPTImageGen25 benchmark.
Is gpt-image-2.5 the official API model ID?
The documented API IDs are gpt-image-2.5-flare and gpt-image-2.5-sunburst. ChatGPT Images 2.5 is the product name. ImageGen25 and GPTImageGen25 refer to this independent workspace, not an additional OpenAI model.
Can I use GPT Image 2.5 in ChatGPT or the API today?
OpenAI announced rollout across all ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex tiers on September 8, 2026, and availability of both API models. Account limits and API access requirements still apply. Sketch, image comments, templates, and prompt sharing are ChatGPT features, not features of this workspace.
Does this workspace offer all GPT Image 2.5 API controls?
GPTImageGen25 offers GPT Image 2.5 and GPT Image 2 for generation and reference-image editing. The studio currently has a single GPT Image 2.5 option, three quality levels, and five aspect ratios. It does not offer a separate Flare or Sunburst selector; official API features may differ from the controls available here.
How much does GPT Image 2.5 cost?
Both models charge $30 per million image output tokens, matching GPT Image 2 token rates. This is not a fixed per-image price: quality, dimensions, input tokens, and optional partial images affect the total. Use the GPT Image 2.5 calculator; the GPT Image 2 calculator does not estimate 2.5 token usage. Workspace credit prices are listed separately.
Does GPT Image 2.5 guarantee accurate text and consistent characters?
No. OpenAI still lists limitations in text clarity, precise placement, recurring character consistency, and structured compositions. Check names, numbers, labels, and preserved details before publishing an image.