On September 8, 2026, OpenAI updated image generation in ChatGPT to ChatGPT Images 2.5 and released two API models, GPT-Image-2.5 Flare and Sunburst.
This is an incremental update focused on speed, better control over edits, and a few tools that make composing an image easier.
Faster: Latency Reduced by Up to 50%
OpenAI says Images 2.5 reduces image generation latency by up to 50% compared with Images 2.0. “Up to” is the upper limit; the speed you see still depends on your prompt, image size, and quality setting.
You may notice it most when making several edits in a row. A shorter wait for each small change makes it easier to stay focused.
Sketch: Draw a Layout Instead of Describing It
This is the 2.5 feature most worth trying.
In the ChatGPT mobile app, type @ in the chat box and select Sketch. Draw a rough layout with your finger, add a short text description, and the AI will generate a finished image using your composition.
Say you want a penguin on an iceberg watching the northern lights. Instead of describing the penguin in the lower left and the lights in the upper right, sketch their positions and write, “Penguin watching the northern lights, watercolor style.” Drawing skill is beside the point. Stick figures are enough because the AI uses the composition and placement of elements.
More Reliable Targeted Edits
OpenAI says 2.5 is better at changing only what you ask for while preserving other details.
It is still not perfectly precise. An edit can spill beyond the area you selected, so check the result and retry if needed.
The new image comments make requests easier to explain. Open a generated image full screen on mobile to edit it or add a comment marking what you want changed.
Other New Features
- Templates: Choose a layout in Images, then fill in the content to generate an image. Work mode does not have this yet.
- Prompt sharing: Share the prompt used to generate an image so someone else can run it with their own materials.
- Origin markers: OpenAI continues to use C2PA metadata and invisible watermarks to help identify AI generated images.
Plans: Available on Every ChatGPT Plan
All ChatGPT plans can use Images. Your actual allowance appears in the product and depends on your plan and account; OpenAI has not published a fixed image count. For plan differences, see the ChatGPT free plan guide and AI subscription price comparison.
API: Flare and Sunburst
If you do not use the API, you can skip this section.
| Model | ID | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Flare | gpt-image-2.5-flare | Lower latency for high volume or quick image generation |
| Sunburst | gpt-image-2.5-sunburst | Finer control but longer generation time for repeated refinement |
Both models have the same token rates (per million tokens):
| Item | Rate |
|---|---|
| Text input | $5 |
| Cached text input | $1.25 |
| Image input | $8 |
| Cached image input | $2 |
| Image output | $30 |
Equal rates do not mean every image costs the same. The cost also depends on image size, quality, and reference image input. If you use the Responses API, you also pay for the main model’s tokens. For the closest estimate, check usage in the response or use OpenAI’s calculator. See the OpenAI pricing page for current rates.
Quality settings now include xhigh and max. You can specify a custom size, such as 3840×2160 or a portrait 2160×3840, with each side up to 3,840 px, subject to total pixel and aspect ratio limits.
To switch, use a new model ID in the Image API. In the Responses API, specify Flare or Sunburst in the image_generation tool. First run your existing prompts, sizes, and quality settings through both models, then compare quality and speed before switching all your work over.
Penchan’s summary
2.5 is an incremental update, but it makes everyday image work smoother: shorter waits, more reliable edits, and an easier way for people without design skills to set up a composition with Sketch.
I most want to try Sketch for article covers. I used to adjust object positions through repeated text prompts; now a quick drawing can show exactly where they should go. For help writing image prompts, see these ChatGPT image prompt examples.
This article provides consumer information about AI image generation API charges and ChatGPT plans. It does not offer securities or investment advice. Actual prices are subject to OpenAI’s latest official announcements. This information is current as of September 24, 2026 and may become outdated.