What are the differences between the two new image models?

Sunburst is recommended for workflows where editing precision matters most, while Flare is for fast, high-quality everyday image generation.

How many images have been generated with OpenAI's image models?

OpenAI states that its image generation models have been used to create more than 3 billion images across ChatGPT Images and the GPT-Image models in the API.

Image GenerationSimon Willison's WeblogSep 9, 2026Sep 9, 2026, 10:00 JST

OpenAI's ChatGPT Images 2.5 ships with better editing, speed

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3 Key Points

What happened
OpenAI released ChatGPT Images 2.5, with new API models gpt-image-2.5-sunburst and gpt-image-2.5-flare. The models handle multiple instruction turns, respond faster, and better preserve reference photo subjects.
Why it matters
Previous versions lacked such refined multi-turn editing and reference preservation. Now users can pass reference images and edit with more precision, as demonstrated with a raccoon scientist added to a chart.
What to watch
Whether Sunburst's precision advantage holds in practice. The distinction between Sunburst and Flare suggests workflows may choose based on editing needs versus speed.

WHO IT HITSDevelopers and creative professionals who use OpenAI's image generation APIs will be affected, as they can now choose between precision (Sunburst) and speed (Flare) for their workflows.

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Context & Analysis

OpenAI's release of ChatGPT Images 2.5 comes as image generation becomes a core feature of AI platforms. The mention that over 3 billion images have been created underscores the scale of adoption. The new models address common pain points: following complex instructions over multiple turns and preserving the identity of subjects in reference photos. The choice between Sunburst and Flare offers a trade-off between editing precision and speed, catering to different user needs. This release may intensify competition among AI image generators, but the outcome hinges on whether these improvements meet user expectations in real-world tasks. As developers like Simon Willison integrate these models into tools, the practical implications for creative workflows will become clearer.

FAQ

What are the differences between the two new image models?: Sunburst is recommended for workflows where editing precision matters most, while Flare is for fast, high-quality everyday image generation.
How many images have been generated with OpenAI's image models?: OpenAI states that its image generation models have been used to create more than 3 billion images across ChatGPT Images and the GPT-Image models in the API.

Simon Willison's WeblogRead Original Article

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Also reported by OpenAI Blog, THE DECODER

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