OpenAI Ends 'Red Code' After Launch of Image AI
TL;DR
OpenAI plans to end its internal 'red code' status with the launch of a new artificial intelligence capable of generating images with greater realism and personality.
OpenAI plans to end its internal "red code" state when it launches a new artificial intelligence (AI) capable of generating images with greater realism and personality. The company's CEO, Sam Altman, made this statement in an interview with the Wall Street Journal. The launch of the new model is scheduled for January 2026.
The red code was activated at the beginning of December as a strategy to focus on enhancing the models that power ChatGPT. This decision was made after the company noticed significant advancements from competitors, especially Google, aimed at securing its position in the sector.
Competition with Google
Currently, one of the major highlights in the market is Google's Nano Banana Pro, considered one of the best available image generators. This tool not only creates images from descriptions but also edits real photos according to user instructions.
OpenAI, although recognized for generating videos that, in some cases, surpass the Veo 3.1 model on Sora 2, has yet to achieve the same level of effectiveness in image production. ChatGPT’s performance in this segment remains less realistic and consistent compared to Google's model.
Acceleration of GPT-5.2
While the new image generation tool is not yet launched, the red code also serves to accelerate the development of GPT-5.2. This model will be a direct response to the Gemini 3, Google’s latest model. The expectation is that GPT-5.2 will be released by the end of this week or, at the latest, by the end of December.
Other products, like Sora, have been temporarily put on hold as OpenAI focuses efforts on its generative model innovations.
Uncertainties Regarding the New AI
There is no concrete information on how the new image generation tool will be integrated into OpenAI’s ecosystem. It is also not yet defined whether it will be free, limited to subscribers, or integrated into the current offering of ChatGPT.
The only certainty is that this project will be crucial for ending the company's red code.
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Content selected and edited with AI assistance. Original sources referenced above.
