# OpenAI shares update on GPT-5.6 availability after holding back release

> Source: <https://9to5mac.com/2026/07/08/openai-shares-update-on-gpt-5-6-availability-after-holding-back-release/>
> Published: 2026-07-08 14:15:57+00:00

OpenAI unveiled GPT-5.6 at the end of June, but the public release was [held back](https://9to5mac.com/2026/06/26/openai-upgrading-chatgpt-and-codex-with-new-gpt-5-6-models-in-limited-release/) while the U.S. government reviewed the new AI models. Now the company has shared an update on when customers will be able to use the upgraded model: this week.

## GPT-5.6 is coming on Thursday

To recap, OpenAI announced three versions of GPT-5.6:

- Sol, OpenAI’s flagship model
- Terra, their balanced model for everyday work
- Luna, their fast and affordable model

The Sol, Terra, and Luna naming scheme is also new with GPT-5.6.

“In this new naming system introduced with GPT‑5.6, the number identifies a model’s generation, while Sol, Terra, and Luna identify durable capability tiers that can advance on their own cadence,” OpenAI [said in June](https://9to5mac.com/2026/06/26/openai-upgrading-chatgpt-and-codex-with-new-gpt-5-6-models-in-limited-release/). “Together, the family gives people and developers clearer choices across intelligence, speed, and cost.”

OpenAI also said it would only share access to GPT-5.6 models with a small group of trusted partners at the U.S. government’s request. This marked a shift from OpenAI’s previous announcement and release behavior.

Now OpenAI has confirmed that GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna will become available Thursday, July 9. OpenAI also said it was “expanding preview access globally now” in a social media post on Tuesday night.

It’s unclear if tomorrow’s GPT-5.6 release will be limited to users in the United States or globally available. OpenAI’s Sam Altman [said last month](https://x.com/sama/status/2070608613169848514?s=20) that the company was working toward a global release.

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