OpenAI launched Images 2.6 on Nov. 4, adding animated GIF creation to ChatGPT and allowing users to turn text prompts, uploaded photos or sketches into short loops. Users can adjust playback speed, inspect and edit individual frames, then share the result. The update is rolling out across ChatGPT and Codex on web, desktop and mobile [openai.com][theverge.com][mashable.com]. OpenAI says Images 2.6 generates images 50% faster than the previous version. It reported more than 4 billion images created weekly across ChatGPT, Codex and its API, up from 3 billion in September. Developers can access two API models: GPT-Image-2.6 Flare, designed for speed, and Sunburst, designed for higher image quality [openai.com][theverge.com][techjuice.pk]. The GIF feature produces short animations rather than full AI video. OpenAI says it is intended for social-media reactions, brand characters and storyboards that explore movement before video production. The release follows the company’s shutdown of its Sora video-generation app in March [openai.com][mashable.com][decrypt.co]. Highlights: • Reusable references: Images 2.6 can save reference images of people, pets and characters for reuse in later creations, avoiding repeat uploads [testingcatalog.com]. • Model trade-offs: Flare can generate an image in as little as six seconds at low quality, while Sunburst is designed to retain character, product and brand details through successive edits [openai.com][neowin.net][techjuice.pk]. Perspectives: Picsart: The image-editing company said faster image generation and better character consistency could give its users more time to experiment with and refine social-campaign content [openai.com]. (OpenAI) "GIFs are the native language of social media, and GPT‑Image‑2.6 lets every OpenArt creator speak it fluently from a single prompt." — Coco Mao, OpenArt co-founder and CEO Sources: • ChatGPT can now make animated GIFs with OpenAI’s Images 2.6 - thenextweb.com • ChatGPT will now make you animated GIFs - theverge.com • ChatGPT Can Make GIFs Now, and It’s Stupidly Easy - techjuice.pk • ChatGPT now lets you generate GIFs - mashable.com • ChatGPT Gets Native Animated GIF Generator Powered by Images 2.6 - androidheadlines.com • OpenAI's ChatGPT Images 2.6 is 50% faster and can now create animated GIFs - neowin.net • ChatGPT finally adds the image tool the internet has been waiting for - androidauthority.com • OpenAI launches Images 2.6 with GIFs, 50% faster generation - techinasia.com • Inside Images 2.6: A New Chapter For AI Images - digitechbytes.com • ChatGPT Is Getting a GIF Maker Powered by OpenAI's Unannounced Images 2.6 Model - decrypt.co • ChatGPT 現在可生成動態 GIF　GPT Images 2.6 加快圖像生成 - yahoo.com • OpenAI bringt GIFs in die Bildgenerierung: Images 2.6 ist da - stadt-bremerhaven.de • OpenAI全面推送ChatGPT Images 2.6，支持原生GIF生成 - myzaker.com • OpenAI launches Images 2.6 with GIFs and image reference - testingcatalog.com • Introducing Images 2.6 - openai.com • OpenAI发布Images 2.6图像生成模型 速度提升50%并支持GIF创作 - pingwest.com • ChatGPT cho phép tạo ảnh GIF trực tiếp - vnexpress.net • GPT Images 2.6 突然发布，蓝色大肥鱼实现 GIF 表情包自由 - ifanr.com • GPT-Image-2.6全量上线！直出GIF和SVG，6.2 Astra也现身了 - qbitai.com --- 📰 Story aggregated by Kagi News