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[ARTICLE · art-123935] src=simonwillison.net ↗ pub= topic=generative-ai verified=true sentiment=· neutral

Introducing ChatGPT Images 2.5

OpenAI released ChatGPT Images 2.5, introducing two new API model IDs: gpt-image-2.5-sunburst and gpt-image-2.5-flare, with Sunburst recommended for editing precision and Flare for fast everyday generation. Developer Simon Willison upgraded his openai_image.py CLI tool to support reference images, enabling prompts like adding a raccoon scientist to an existing chart.

read1 min views2 publishedSep 8, 2026

Introducing ChatGPT Images 2.5

There are two new model IDs in the API: gpt-image-2.5-sunburst and gpt-image-2.5-flare. Based on this I think Sunburst is the stronger option:

Choose Sunburst for workflows where editing precision matters most, and Flare for fast, high-quality everyday image generation.

I upgraded my openai_image.py CLI tool to support passing in one or more reference images, so now this works:

uv run https://tools.simonwillison.net/python/openai_image.py \
  'add a raccoon scientist studying the chart thoughtfully' \
  -i https://static.simonwillison.net/static/2026/openai-agent-usage.webp \
  -m gpt-image-2.5-sunburst

This is the original image, and here's what I got back from that prompt to "add a raccoon scientist studying the chart thoughtfully":

Tags: tools, ai, openai, generative-ai, uv, text-to-image

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