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OpenAI launches animated GIF generation in ChatGPT and Codex using the Images 2.6 model

confirmed by 2 independent sources updated November 4, 2026

OpenAI is expanding Images 2.6 with animated GIF generation in ChatGPT and Codex, and has released the GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and Sunburst API models featuring SVG generation and markup-guided editing. The company reports more than 4 billion images generated weekly.

Latest development: according to sources, the animated GIF generation feature in ChatGPT is gradually being rolled out not only to the web, desktop, and mobile versions of ChatGPT, but also to Codex. Users enter a text prompt or upload a photo, and the Images 2.6 model creates a flipbook-style animation, where the playback speed and individual frames can subsequently be adjusted. According to OpenAI, the model keeps a character's appearance consistent across frames better than previous models.

The same Images 2.6 release also includes two new API models for developers — GPT-Image-2.6 Flare (focused on faster generation) and GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst (focused on higher quality), both available via the v1/images/generations and v1/images/edits API endpoints. The update also brings SVG generation, adjustable image complexity, and markup-guided editing, which is also available for supported GPT Image 2.5 models.

According to OpenAI, more than 4 billion images are now generated weekly via ChatGPT and the API, up from roughly 3 billion weekly in September. The update was released on 4 November 2026.

What changed

Why it matters

Being able to create animated GIFs directly in ChatGPT without needing an external animation tool simplifies simple graphic production for individuals and teams working with short visual content. At the same time, the new Flare and Sunburst API models give developers a choice between speed and quality in image generation, which is relevant for products that integrate image generation or image editing into their own workflows.

What was added since the original report

Verified updates

  1. New verified information

    The rollout of GIF generation is also extending to Codex, not just ChatGPT

  2. New verified information

    Two specific models: GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst and GPT-Image-2.6 Flare, with technical identifiers; SVG generation is a new feature in the new models; Markup-guided editing added for GPT-Image 2.5 and 2.6 models; Adjustable complexity in image generation; Specific release date: 2026-11-04

    • Two specific models: GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst and GPT-Image-2.6 Flare, with technical identifiers
    • SVG generation is a new feature in the new models
    • Markup-guided editing added for GPT-Image 2.5 and 2.6 models
    • Adjustable complexity in image generation
    • Specific release date: 2026-11-04

Two audiences, two different impacts

What this means

01

For individuals

ChatGPT users can now create an animated GIF directly from a text description or an uploaded photo, and adjust the animation speed or individual frames, without needing a separate animation tool.

What to do Try generating a GIF from a text prompt or an uploaded photo directly in ChatGPT.
More practical updates →
02

For a business

Companies creating marketing or social content can generate animated GIFs directly in ChatGPT without external animation tools, which may reduce the time needed for minor graphic production.

Sales and marketing
What to decide Verify whether the expanded image and GIF generation capabilities in ChatGPT will replace some of the current tools used for creating visual content.
More business impacts →
animation API ChatGPT Codex DALL-E image generation content generation GIF GIF generation GPT-Image image editing image generation Images 2.6 OpenAI SVG

Check the original

Event sources

confirmed by 2 independent sources · 3 publishers, 2 independent. We count feeds from the same owner only once.

4
OpenAI API Changelog primary source · first detected Released [GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst](https://developers.openai.com/api/docs/models/gpt-image-2.6-sunburst) and [GPT-Image-2.6… OpenAI News primary source Introducing Images 2.6 The Verge AI independent context ChatGPT will now make you animated GIFs The Decoder (daily AI news) independent context ChatGPT can now turn text prompts and photos into animated GIFs with OpenAI's Images 2.6 model