OpenAI Releases 'Images 1.5' Model With Advanced Processing and Integrated Editing

December 16, 2025

Details

  • Sam Altman announced the release of Images 1.5, available on all ChatGPT platforms and public API starting December 16, 2025.
  • The upgrade delivers sharper image resolution, richer color accuracy, and improved rendering of text compared to the earlier 2025 model.
  • Generation times are now significantly reduced, allowing users to process large batches with fewer token and compute charges.
  • Users can now edit images inline—adding, removing, or reshaping elements—without needing to fully regenerate the artwork, thanks to a new AI-powered tool similar to inpainting.
  • This suite of features is now accessible to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Enterprise subscribers, with API access enabled via a simple model switch.
  • An example gallery highlights the model’s ability to compose complex scenes, create branded mock-ups, and perform multi-step edits.
  • Despite these upgrades, pricing and usage limits are unchanged, indicating gains in backend efficiency rather than the introduction of a more expensive product tier.

Impact

The launch heightens competition with rivals like Midjourney and Stability AI as the field pushes for faster and higher-quality outputs. Integrated editing blurs the line between creation and revision, pressuring design giants like Adobe and Canva to evolve. Faster image cycles and improved text capabilities could attract new use cases in advertising and packaging, while the timing may help OpenAI gain compliance and marketing advantages with coming EU AI transparency regulations.

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