OpenAI has quietly made a big upgrade to the way ChatGPT creates images, and the difference is not just on paper. The company has launched a new image model called GPT Image 1.5, and it makes image generation faster, cleaner, and far less frustrating than before.
In simple terms, ChatGPT can now create and edit images much more quickly, and it finally listens better when you tell it what you want. OpenAI says image generation is now up to four times faster, which makes a noticeable difference if you are trying multiple ideas or small edits. With these changes, ChatGPT Images is starting to feel like a real competitor to Google’s new Nano Banana Pro tool.
Edits that do not break the whole image
One of the biggest complaints with AI image tools has always been editing. You change one small thing, and the entire image falls apart. OpenAI claims GPT Image 1.5 fixes a lot of that.
When you edit an image now, the tool is better at changing only the part you ask for. Things like lighting, background, faces, or character details are more likely to stay the same unless you tell it otherwise. This makes the tool far more useful for real work, not just quick experiments.
It is also better at understanding detailed instructions, so you do not have to rewrite your prompt again and again just to get a small change right.
A separate space just for images
OpenAI has also changed how image creation works inside ChatGPT. There is now a separate Images section in the sidebar on both the app and the website. This keeps image work away from regular chats and makes the experience feel less cluttered.
Inside this section, users will find built-in style filters. You can upload an image and apply different looks instantly, without typing long prompts every time. It feels more like a creative workspace than a chatbot experiment.
Available to everyone, not just paid users
Another important part of this update is availability. OpenAI is rolling out the new ChatGPT Images to all users worldwide, including those on the free plan. Developers can also use the new model through OpenAI’s API by selecting GPT Image 1.5.
If you prefer the older image generator, OpenAI is not forcing anyone to switch. The previous version will remain available as a custom GPT.
Overall, this update feels less like a flashy announcement and more like OpenAI fixing the things that annoyed users the most. Faster results, cleaner edits, and fewer surprises make ChatGPT Images feel much closer to something people can actually rely on.
