Introducing ChatGPT Images 2.5
- ID
- 22550
- Status
- summarized
- Published
- 09 Sep 2026, 6:46 AM
- Fetched
- 09 Sep 2026, 7:04 AM
- Provider
- Simon Willison
- Category
- developer-ai
- Original URL
- https://simonwillison.net/2026/Sep/8/introducing-chatgpt-images-25/
- Source URL
- https://simonwillison.net/atom/everything/
Summary
- Score
- 6.5
- Created
- 09 Sep 2026, 7:04 AM
- Tags
- Audience
- developersvibe_codersai_agent_users
What happened
OpenAI released two new image generation model IDs in the API: gpt-image-2.5-sunburst (for editing precision) and gpt-image-2.5-flare (for fast everyday generation). The release improves multi-turn instruction following, speed, and reference-photo subject preservation. Simon Willison updated his openai_image.py CLI tool to accept reference images via the -i flag.
Why it matters
If you call OpenAI's image API, you now need to choose between two model IDs with different trade-offs: Sunburst for workflows where editing precision matters, Flare for speed. Update any hardcoded model references and test reference-image preservation before migrating production pipelines.
Discussion angle
Compare Sunburst vs Flare cost and latency for a real use case—e.g., generating marketing assets with brand reference images—and whether the reference-photo preservation is good enough to replace manual editing workflows.