OpenAI Unveils GPT-5.6 Trio and ChatGPT Work Superapp

OpenAI has introduced its latest family of AI models, GPT-5.6, in three versions: Sol, Terra, and Luna. Each serves a different purpose, offering users options based on power, speed, and cost.

The most powerful of the trio is GPT-5.6 Sol. It boasts advanced capabilities, especially for coding tasks. Sam Altman, OpenAI’s CEO, called Sol “obviously the best model we have ever produced.” He also highlighted that Sol is 54% more token efficient on agentic coding tasks. This means it can handle complex coding with fewer resources.

Terra and Luna balance power and speed differently. Terra aims to be a solid all-rounder for everyday work. Luna focuses on speed, making it ideal for faster, lighter tasks. Both come with lower costs compared to Sol, making them attractive for users who want good performance without breaking the bank.

New Features and Pricing

One standout feature in Sol is its new “ultra” mode. This lets the model work harder on complex tasks by delegating subtasks to specialized submodels. It’s like having a team inside the AI tackling different parts of a problem simultaneously.

OpenAI also revealed a clear pricing structure for the GPT-5.6 lineup. Sol costs $5 per million input tokens and $30 per million output tokens. Terra is priced at $2.5 and $15, while Luna is the most affordable at $1 and $6. This tiered system lets users pick a model that fits their needs and budget.

Access depends on subscription tier. ChatGPT Plus, Pro, Business, and Enterprise users can use Sol via medium+ effort settings. Pro and Enterprise users can choose a “Pro” mode for the highest quality results. This setup gives businesses and individuals flexibility in how they use the AI.

ChatGPT Work: A New Superapp

Alongside the GPT-5.6 release, OpenAI launched ChatGPT Work. This desktop app merges Codex and ChatGPT into one powerful tool. It can gather context from apps, files, and workflows to create documents, spreadsheets, presentations, and even web apps.

The app connects to popular tools like Slack, Gmail, Google Drive, calendars, and CRMs. It works across web, phones, and computers. Mac and Windows users already have access, with web access coming soon for Pro, Enterprise, and Education users.

The integration promises to boost productivity by letting ChatGPT Work seamlessly pull data from different sources. It can then generate tailored outputs that match specific templates and styles. This makes it easier to get work done efficiently.

Performance and Safety

OpenAI’s GPT-5.6 models scored well in independent evaluations. Sol reached 59 on the Intelligence Index, just one point below Anthropic’s Claude Fable 5, a top competitor. Terra and Luna scored 55 and 51, respectively, maintaining strong performance at lower costs.

Sol also set a new high of 53.6 on Agents’ Last Exam, a test measuring AI agent skills. Experts say it leads in coding-agent workloads. Users like Theo Browne, CEO of T3 Chat, said Sol made him use it 100 times more because of its capabilities.

The models are not only powerful but safer. Some API calls related to cyber and bio tasks are blocked to prevent misuse. OpenAI worked closely with the U.S. government on these safety measures. They made many changes after a “collaborative back and forth” before the models went public.

OpenAI released GPT-5.6 to a limited group of partners first. After receiving government approval, they rolled it out publicly starting July 9, 2026. This came after tensions between Anthropic and the Trump administration regarding export bans on similar AI models.

Meanwhile, competitors are also moving fast. Elon Musk announced SpaceXAI’s Grok 4.5 model will launch soon. Musk described it as an “Opus-class model” that’s faster, more token-efficient, and cheaper to run. Google plans to release Gemini 3.5 Pro later this month.

OpenAI’s GPT-5.6 family marks a step forward in AI model efficiency, cost control, and real-world usability. With ChatGPT Work, the company pushes AI deeper into daily workflows. The new lineup offers users choices tailored to different needs, from coding to quick responses.

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