OpenAI nears launch of GPT Image 2 with 4K support to replace DALL-E by mid-May

OpenAI nears launch of new image model to replace DALL-E

OpenAI is nearing the launch of a new image generation model believed to be GPT Image 2, which will produce more realistic visuals and cleaner text. This follows weeks of leaks and community testing, as reported by The Information. The model has been spotted in testing on platforms including LM Arena and Reddit, indicating its potential impact on the competitive landscape for AI image generation. The anticipated release of GPT Image 2 comes as OpenAI plans to shut down DALL-E 2 and DALL-E 3 on May 12, creating urgency for a successor. The new model is expected to represent a direct challenge to Google and Adobe, both of which have integrated their own image models into existing applications. On April 4, three anonymous image models appeared on LM Arena under codenames: maskingtape-alpha, gaffertape-alpha, and packingtape-alpha. Although these models were pulled shortly after their appearance, screenshots circulated on Reddit and within developer communities. Early testers reported that the new model offers near-perfect text rendering and native 4K resolution support. Sources indicate that GPT Image 2 utilizes an entirely new architecture, moving away from the GPT-4o image pipeline. It is anticipated to shift from a two-stage inference to a single-pass generation, which could yield both quality enhancements and faster rendering times. By April 14, the models made a reappearance on LM Arena, and some ChatGPT users reported an improved image generator during apparent A/B testing. The competitive pressure is intensifying as Adobe has successfully integrated OpenAI and Google image models into its Firefly app, which features its own models, Firefly 4 and 4 Ultra. Additionally, Google's Nano Banana Pro has established a new benchmark for photorealism. OpenAI has not officially confirmed plans for GPT Image 2 or a release date. Analysts predict the model could be launched between late April and mid-May 2026, possibly alongside a GPT-5.4 update. "The competition is shifting from simple image generation to high-utility, multimodal intelligence," one industry analyst remarked, noting that advancements are expected to become "faster and cheaper throughout 2026."

OpenAI may launch new image AI model soon, can offer more realistic images compared to rivals

Weeks after shutting down Sora, OpenAI is reportedly working on a new image generation model which can offer more realistic images compared to the rivals. The upcoming model is said to be called as gpt-image-2 and is said to be built on the recent surge in popularity driven by ChatGPT's image tools, which went viral for creating stylised visuals such as anime-inspired artwork. As per the reports, the new model will focus on realism and aim to reduce that 'artificial' look which we often see in the AI generated images. Previous outputs were frequently criticised for overly smooth textures, perfect lighting and unnatural facial details. The next-generation system is said to address these limitations by producing images that more closely resemble real-world photography. The new gpt-image-2 model is also expected to offer improved composition capabilities. The model is said to generate more structured visuals including accurate placement of text, objects and layouts. This may make it more useful for practical applications such as presentations, design mock-ups and visual storytelling. Also read: Meta to train new workforce for data centres amid the layoff reports In the meantime, ChatGPT is reportedly testing a new reference photo feature which may allow users to upload an image once and reuse it across multiple prompts. The feature is designed to streamline workflows by reducing the need for repeated uploads. If true, the new model will directly rival Google and Anthropic's advanced image generation capabilities. However, the details including release timeline, benefits and validity about the model still remain under the wraps. Meanwhile, OpenAI is also working on a new GPT 5.5 model that is codenamed Spud. It is expected to launch next week and may bring big enhancements compared to existing models. Again, we may have to wait for a few more days to get official confirmation.