ToolsSeptember 9, 2026via The Decoder
ChatGPT Images 2.5: Faster, more precise, but not the same for everyone
Why it matters
OpenAI's staggered rollout of Flare (speed) and Sunburst (precision) image models creates fragmentation across the ChatGPT user base. Practitioners need to know which tier gets which capabilities and when, to plan image generation workflows and budget accordingly.
Key signals
- Two new image models: Flare (faster generation) and Sunburst (more precise edits)
- Rollout is fragmented — unclear which ChatGPT users get which model
- Timeline for full availability not announced
- Performance improvements tested but access varies by user tier/account age
- Suggests capability gap emerging between free and paid ChatGPT users on image tasks
- Rollout unclear—users don't know which model they receive or when
- Tier-based or region-based fragmentation implied
- Testing reveals uneven access across user segments
- Published Sep 09, 2026
The hook
OpenAI quietly shipped two new image models. Most ChatGPT users won't notice — and that's the problem.
OpenAI is releasing two new image models with ChatGPT Images 2.5. Flare handles faster generation, Sunburst delivers more precise edits. It's still unclear which model ChatGPT users get and when. Our test offers the first hints on who actually benefits from the improvements.