GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst
OpenAI · Released Nov 2026
Conditional
GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst is OpenAI's image generation and editing model for detailed visual work, with a complexity setting, SVG output, animated GIF output and markup-guided edits. Pick it over its sibling Flare when detailed visual work matters more than fast iteration. Higher complexity can add latency and unwanted changes. It suits developers and designers building detailed compositions through the API, though we have not tested it.
Is it right for you?
Good for
- Dense text, complex layouts and object relationships. OpenAI's guide says higher complexity settings help with these, and Sunburst is the model it names for detailed visual work.
- Vector and animated output. Both SVG output and animated GIF output are listed for the 2.6 models.
- Edits guided by annotation layers. The guide lists markup-guided edits.
Not good for
- Fast iteration. OpenAI's guide names Flare for fast iteration.
- Small focused edits such as background changes at the default setting. The guide says lower complexity suits these, high is the default when the field is omitted, and higher complexity can increase latency and introduce unwanted changes.
Pricing
Input
$8 / 1M tokens
Output
$30 / 1M tokens
Context
Image rates; img cached $2; text in $5 cached $1.25
No verdict changes yet
The clock starts day one. Changes land here as our verdict evolves.
Sources
- OpenAI image generation guideNov 2026
- OpenAI API changelogNov 2026
- OpenAI GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst model pageNov 2026
- OpenAI GPT-Image-2.6 Flare model pageNov 2026
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