ChatGPT now supports GIF generation, OpenAI launches Images 2.6

OpenAI has added native GIF generation to ChatGPT, letting users create animated GIFs from text prompts or uploaded photos and adjust playback speed, edit individual frames, and share the results. The feature ships alongside OpenAI's new Images 2.6 model, which also speeds up image generation and is rolling out to ChatGPT and Codex users on web, desktop, and mobile. OpenAI additionally launched GPT-Image-2.6 Flare and Sunburst in its API, targeting faster and higher-quality image generation respectively. The company said users now generate more than 4 billion images per week across ChatGPT and the API, up from 3 billion disclosed in September. The update matters because it closes a long-standing gap that previously required separate tools for animation and signals continued scaling of OpenAI's image workloads. Next, watch adoption of the new API models and whether weekly image volumes keep climbing at the same pace.