OpenAI Launches GPT-5.6, Expanding AI’s Role in Enterprise and Home Automation

July 9, 2026

Quick Answer: GPT-5.6 is OpenAI’s newest model family, released publicly on July 9, 2026. Instead of one model, it ships three tiers: Sol, Terra, and Luna. Sol powers ChatGPT’s reasoning modes on paid plans; all three are on the API. The pricing spread is the strategic story, with Sol’s price held flat versus GPT-5.5, and Luna’s price cut by 50%. OpenAI’s new controls include a “max reasoning” setting and an “ultra” mode that runs parallel subagents on hard tasks. The US government’s approval marks a major turning point in AI’s rollout, a first for a model launch.