OpenAI is launching GPT-5.6 on Thursday after the U.S. government lifted the initial release ban following additional testing. According to OpenAI, the Sol model outperforms Anthropic's Claude Mythos 5 in the coding benchmark while costing about half as much. Binding standards for future model approvals are still lacking.

Trump administration restricts OpenAI's GPT-5.6 release. General availability by August 2026 at 3.3% YES.

OpenAI will launch its GPT-5.6 models globally this Thursday. Release by July 31, 2026 is at 98.8% YES.

OpenAI, White House, and the U.S. Department of Commerce did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment.

OpenAI expects to release GPT 5.6 more widely this week following additional testing and meetings with U.S. government officials