OpenAI has begun a limited preview of its new model family "GPT-5.6" (Sol, Terra and Luna) and unveiled a new business feature called "ChatGPT Work." With the U.S. government's initial rollout restrictions lifted, a public rollout is set to begin around July 9, 2026.
July 9, 2026 · OpenAI
GPT-5.6 Steps Out of Government Lockdown
OpenAI opens a limited preview of its three-model family — Sol, Terra and Luna — plus a new "ChatGPT Work" workspace. With initial U.S. government access limits now lifted, a public rollout begins around July 9, 2026.
54%
Better token efficiency in coding tasks
2×
Terra runs cheaper than GPT-5.5, same performance
3
Model variants for distinct use cases
Cost per unit of work — Terra vs GPT-5.5
Same GPT-5.5-level performance for everyday work, at roughly half the price.
Sol
Flagship
Strongest safety stack; leading agentic power in coding, biology and cyber. Ahead on ExploitGym & SEC-Bench Pro.
Terra
Everyday Work
Balanced daily model — GPT-5.5-level performance at about 2× lower cost. Fast and cheap enough for routine tasks.
Luna
Fast & Low-Cost
The fastest and cheapest option while still offering strong, capable performance.
From lockdown to launch
Trusted partners only
Access limited at U.S. government request
→
Weeks of testing
Vulnerability & misuse safeguards
→
Limits lifted
Public rollout via API, Codex & ChatGPT
OpenAI says a government access-review process should not become a long-term default. Access is expected to expand within weeks.
What early testers praise
More persistent than rival models
Better at detecting edge cases
Natural sub-agent coordination
Terra is fast and cheap for daily work
Noted constraints
Responses lean too technical
High token use may force plan upgrades
Gaps remain in creativity & understanding
Early access still under NDA / limited
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