Introducing ChatGPT Images 2.5

Simon Willison's Blog Models
image-generation openai model-release api reference-photos chatgpt

Summary

OpenAI releases ChatGPT Images 2.5, enhancing image generation with better instruction-following, faster responses, and new API model IDs for improved precision and everyday use.

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Cached at: 09/09/26, 12:28 AM

# Introducing ChatGPT Images 2.5 Source: [https://simonwillison.net/2026/Sep/8/introducing-chatgpt-images-25/](https://simonwillison.net/2026/Sep/8/introducing-chatgpt-images-25/) 8th September 2026 \- Link Blog **[Introducing ChatGPT Images 2\.5](https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-images-2-5/)**\. OpenAI's image generation models are apparently used "more than 3 billion images across ChatGPT Images and the GPT‑Image models in the API"\. This latest release improves their instruction\-following ability across multiple turns, responds faster, and "is better at preserving the subjects in your reference photos"\. There are two new model IDs in the API:`gpt\-image\-2\.5\-sunburst`and`gpt\-image\-2\.5\-flare`\. Based[on this](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/guides/image-generation#overview)I think Sunburst is the stronger option: > Choose Sunburst for workflows where editing precision matters most, and Flare for fast, high\-quality everyday image generation\. I[upgraded](https://github.com/simonw/tools/pull/333)my[openai\_image\.py](https://tools.simonwillison.net/python/#openai_imagepy)CLI tool to support passing in one or more reference images, so now this works: ``` uv run https://tools.simonwillison.net/python/openai_image.py \ 'add a raccoon scientist studying the chart thoughtfully' \ -i https://static.simonwillison.net/static/2026/openai-agent-usage.webp \ -m gpt-image-2.5-sunburst ``` This is the[original image](https://static.simonwillison.net/static/2026/openai-agent-usage.webp), and here's what I got back from that prompt to "add a raccoon scientist studying the chart thoughtfully": ![Line chart with cartoon illustration. Title: "Usage of internal coding agents is increasing significantly—Median researcher". Y-axis labeled "Daily $ / researcher" from 0 to 700; x-axis shows Feb 2026, Apr 2026, Jun 2026, Aug 2026. A blue line stays near zero through April, rises gradually to around 150 by June and July, then climbs steeply to about 600 by late August. In the foreground a cartoon raccoon in glasses and a white lab coat, chin in hand, holds a clipboard at a desk with a mug bearing the OpenAI logo, some printed charts, and a stack of three books titled "AI AGENTS", "SOFTWARE ENGINEERING", and "PRODUCTIVITY". An OpenAI logo appears in the top right corner.](https://static.simonwillison.net/static/2026/racoon-chart.webp)

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