OpenAI releases ChatGPT Images 2.5 with ‘sharper details’ and ‘more precise editing’

OpenAI released ChatGPT Images 2.5 on September 11, 2025, introducing sharper details, more precise editing, and up to 50% lower latency compared with Images 2.0. The update adds a Sketch feature for drawing in ChatGPT, templates, and prompt sharing, and is rolling out to ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex users across all tiers on desktop, mobile, and web. Two API versions, GPT-Image-2.5 Flare and GPT-Image-2.5 Sunburst, are available for developers, with Flare delivering higher-quality images at 50% lower latency than GPT-Image-2.

In April, OpenAI released upgraded image generation technology with ChatGPT Images 2. Five months later, the company is releasing an enhanced version, ChatGPT Images 2.5. ChatGPT Images 2 was a notable leap over the company’s earlier image generation tools. It added 2K resolution output, multiple aspect ratio support, and the ability to use web research for up-to-date information. Images 2 also added non-Latin language expertise and two intelligence levels: Instant and Thinking. The latest Images 2.5 version touts “sharper details, faster generation, more precise editing, and better tools for creating and sharing.” “Images 2.5 produces more natural lighting and richer textures, is better at preserving the subjects in your reference photos, and follows editing instructions more reliably across multiple turns,” OpenAI says. “We’ve also reduced image generation latency by up to 50% compared with Images 2.0, so you can generate images and refine your concepts more quickly.” Additionally, the company details a new “Sketch” feature http://chatgpt.com/sketch?openaicom-did=110f7cbc-82ed-4f9c-b065-dfbf20bbc236&openaicom referred=true that enables drawing directly in ChatGPT. This can be used as a reference for image generation. Plus OpenAI is introducing templates for popular image formats, prompt sharing for others to try your ideas related to image-gen, and more. Additionally, OpenAI is releasing two versions of Images 2.5 for developers to build around in their apps. GPT-Image-2.5 Flare and GPT-Image-2.5 Sunburt will be available through OpenAI’s API: GPT‑Image‑2.5 Flare brings the same improvements in quality, editing, and speed to the API and is the default choice for most applications, delivering higher-quality images than GPT‑Image‑2 at 50% lower latency. It’s well suited to everything from creator and social content to product experiences, visual search, rapid image prototyping, and high-volume generation. GPT‑Image‑2.5 Sunburst is built for premium visual workflows that benefit from tighter control across edits. Use it for creative and editing workflows like production-ready campaign creative or polished product imagery. “Images 2.5 is rolling out today to ChatGPT, ChatGPT Work, and Codex users across all tiers on desktop, mobile, and web,” according to OpenAI. You can learn more about the new image-gen technology here https://openai.com/index/introducing-chatgpt-images-2-5/ . Today’s ChatGPT Images 2.5 release follows last week’s GPT-6 Astra https://9to5mac.com/2026/09/04/openai-releasing-major-upgrade-to-chatgpt-and-codex-with-gpt-6-astra-details-here/ launch. Do more with your Apple products Apple AirTag 2 | Add Find My tracking to keys, bags, bikes, more https://amzn.to/4vjNWN1 AirPods 4 | Apple’s newest wireless headphones https://amzn.to/43ndewV AirPods Pro 3 | Apple’s best wireless headphones https://amzn.to/4ut3FYp FTC: We use income earning auto affiliate links. More. https://9to5mac.com/about/ affiliate our homepage http://9to5mac.com/ for all the latest news, and follow 9to5Mac on exclusive stories https://9to5mac.com/feature/exclusive/ , reviews https://9to5mac.com/guides/review/ , how-tos https://9to5mac.com/guides/how-to/ , and subscribe to our YouTube channel https://www.youtube.com/9to5mac