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GPT-Image-2.6 API: Pricing & Benchmarks

Detailed developer breakdown of OpenAI GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst and Flare pricing and scores.

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GPT-Image-2.6 API: Pricing & Benchmarks. A macro shot of a dense silicon die reflecting sharp prismatic lens flares and amber light along precision-etched copper interconnects inside a dark server chassis — GPUniq
Data as of 6 sources

Drafted with AI tools and edited by a human. The figures and conclusions were checked by a GPUniq editor.

GPT-Image-2.6 API pricing

OpenAI prices the API by token type. Image input tokens cost $8.00 per 1M tokens. Cached image input tokens drop to $2.00 per 1M tokens. Image output tokens cost $30.00 per 1M tokens. Text input tokens are $5.00 per 1M tokens. Cached text input tokens cost $1.25 per 1M tokens.

Model variants

Sunburst handles high-detail image generation and editing. Flare produces faster, lower-latency visual outputs for drafts and product imagery. Both variants are available via the OpenAI Image API for generations and edits endpoints.

Variant NameTarget Workflow
SunburstHigh-detail image generation and editing
FlareFast visual generation for drafts and product imagery

Elo scores

Vandata Team benchmarks assign Sunburst an Arena Text-to-Image Elo score of 1409. The Arena Image Edit Elo score for Sunburst reaches 1476.

New features

The model adds animated GIF output from a single prompt and SVG export via the API. Markup-guided edits use transparent annotation masks. Users can also adjust complexity settings to low, medium, or high.

Methodology

Facts are compiled from the vendor's own announcement and documentation, linked below, at the time of writing; where the vendor hasn't published a number it is marked as such. GPUniq prices, when the model is already available here, come from our live catalog.

Sources

  1. 1.Introducing Images 2.6 | OpenAI — OpenAI (accessed )
  2. 2.GPT-Image-2.6 Sunburst Model | OpenAI API — OpenAI (accessed )
  3. 3.ChatGPT Images 2.6 System Card - OpenAI Deployment Safety Hub — OpenAI (accessed )
  4. 4.Image generation | OpenAI API — OpenAI (accessed )
  5. 5.GPT Image 2.6 Sunburst Benchmarks, Pricing and Specs — Van Data Team (accessed )
  6. 6.GPT-Image-2.6 Flare vs Sunburst: Which Model Should You Use? — Apidog Blog (accessed )

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