ChatGPT models in 2026: current lineup, GPT-5.6, GPT-6 Pro, Work, Codex, and legacy models
Updated: Sep 17
ChatGPT's current model lineup is now centered on GPT-5.6 Luna, GPT-5.6 Sol, GPT-5.6 Sol Pro, and GPT-6 Pro, with Terra, Astra, voice, image, and realtime models appearing in other product surfaces.
The important change from older model lists is structural: a ChatGPT picker label, an underlying base model, and an API model ID are no longer the same thing.
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THE CURRENT CHATGPT MODEL MAP
Standard Chat, Work, Codex, API, voice, and images now expose different subsets of OpenAI's model catalog. A model list is only accurate when it names the product surface.
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Model or option | Standard Chat | Other surfaces | Primary role |
|---|---|---|---|
GPT-5.6 Luna | Default for Free and Go; powers Think | Work, Codex, API depending on plan | Fast everyday use |
GPT-5.6 Sol | Instant and higher thinking on eligible paid plans | Work, Codex, API | Advanced professional reasoning |
GPT-5.6 Sol Pro | Pro reasoning option | ChatGPT Pro-class path | Harder and longer-running work |
GPT-6 Pro / Astra | GPT-6 Pro on eligible higher plans | Astra in Work, Codex and API | Highest-end complex work |
GPT-5.6 Terra | Not normally selectable | Work, Codex and API | Balanced capability and cost |
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INSTANT AND THINKING LEVELS ARE CONTROLS, NOT SEPARATE MODEL FAMILIES
On eligible paid plans, Instant, Medium, High, and Extra High are reasoning settings around GPT-5.6 Sol. Free and Go use GPT-5.6 Luna for everyday chat and Think. Pro selects a Pro-class option rather than simply adding another generic thinking level.
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GPT-5.6 LUNA AND SOL DEFINE THE EVERYDAY CHAT EXPERIENCE
Luna is the default route for Free and Go. Sol powers eligible paid ChatGPT use. Terra belongs to the same family but is primarily visible in Work, Codex, and API contexts rather than as a normal standard-chat selection.
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GPT-6 PRO ADDS ASTRA ABOVE GPT-5.6
GPT-6 Pro is powered by GPT-6 Astra. It is available in standard Chat on eligible Pro, Business, and Enterprise plans, while Astra also appears in Work and Codex under broader plan-specific access rules.
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VOICE, IMAGE, AND REALTIME MODELS ARE SEPARATE SYSTEMS
ChatGPT Voice uses GPT-Live models, image generation uses the GPT-Image family, and realtime API workflows use realtime-specific models. Those systems should not be counted as additional standard text-chat picker models.
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CHATGPT LABELS DO NOT MAP ONE-TO-ONE TO API IDS
The API exposes explicit identifiers such as gpt-5.6-sol, gpt-5.6-terra, gpt-5.6-luna, and gpt-6-astra. ChatGPT labels such as Instant or Pro describe a user experience and cannot be copied directly into an API request.
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LEGACY MODELS NEED A STATUS, NOT JUST A NAME
GPT-4o, GPT-4.1, o4-mini, GPT-5, GPT-5.1, GPT-5.2, GPT-4.5, and o3 went through ChatGPT retirements during 2026. Other earlier models may remain available where supported, so current, legacy, retired-from-ChatGPT, and retired-from-API are different statuses.
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THE FASTEST WAY TO IDENTIFY THE RIGHT MODEL
Start with the product surface, then identify the base model family, then choose the reasoning level. That sequence is more reliable than treating every visible label as a standalone model.
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