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OpenAI retires early GPT-5 snapshots, o3 and old image models

Readers can stay on OpenAI API: they change a setting or plan. Help the ones who would rather leave.

46 days left · December 1, 2026 · Public page

Low switching pressure36/100

An estimate from the deadline, cost, discussion and need to move. It is not a product rating.

What goes into it

Confidence: medium.

deadline16/30
money14/25
attention0/25
audience0/12
force6/8
  • Hard deadline in 46 days.
  • The change is forced: it reaches users even if they wait.

  1. 1 Related discussions

    Only threads tied to this event that talk about leaving, moving or prices. Saved, not live. Check the date and read the thread before replying.

    No live threads yet.

  2. 2 What people ask

    No common questions yet.

  3. 3 Reply templates

    Answer the question first. Link only if it helps. Always keep the disclosure line. Never post the same text twice.

    Helpful first
    Sorry you have to deal with this. You can stay on OpenAI API. Here is what to change before December 1, 2026:

1. List the models you call. Search for gpt-5-2025-08-07, gpt-5-mini, gpt-5-nano, gpt-5-pro, o3, o3-pro and older gpt-image names.
2. Switch to the named replacement. Most move to gpt-5.6-sol. Image calls move to gpt-image-2.5-sunburst or gpt-image-2.5-flare.
3. Test before the dates. Run your prompts on the new model. Images by December 1, the rest by December 11.

If they would rather leave, describe a verified way <your product> can help: <your link>
[Disclosure: I build <your product>.]
    Short answer
    You have until December 1, 2026. You can stay on OpenAI API. First: list the models you call. Then switch to the named replacement.
Happy to help if you get stuck.
[Disclosure: I build <your product>.]

  4. 4 Switch-page builder

    Create a draft “Switch from OpenAI API” page. Add your product, review every claim, then copy HTML or Markdown. Your product claims need your own evidence.

    • Add your product name to replace “Your product”.
    Preview

    Switch from OpenAI API to Your product

    OpenAI API: first GPT-5 snapshots, o3, image models: a change is due by December 1. You can stay on OpenAI API. If you would rather leave, here is how to move to Your product.

    What changes at OpenAI API

    OpenAI removes older GPT Image models from the API on December 1, 2026. The first GPT-5 snapshots, o3 and o3-pro shut down on December 11, 2026.

    • Image models removed: December 1, 2026 (OpenAI)
    • Image models: gpt-image-1-mini, gpt-image-1.5 and chatgpt-image-latest → gpt-image-2.5-sunburst or gpt-image-2.5-flare (OpenAI)
    • Second date: December 11, 2026 (OpenAI)
    • Replacement: gpt-5.6-sol replaces gpt-5-2025-08-07, gpt-5-pro-2025-10-06, o3-2025-04-16 and o3-pro-2025-06-10 (OpenAI)
    • Replacement: gpt-5.6-terra replaces gpt-5-mini-2025-08-07 (OpenAI)
    • Replacement: gpt-5.6-luna replaces gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 (OpenAI)
    • After shutdown: The model can no longer be accessed (OpenAI)
    • Apps that call these models: Stop working on December 1 or December 11, 2026 (OpenAI)

    You can stay on OpenAI API if you make the change. This page is for people who would rather leave.

    What Your product gives you

    Write two or three short lines here. Say what Your product does, who it is for, and what it costs. Use only facts you can show.

    How to move from OpenAI API to Your product

    1. Save what you need from OpenAI API. Keep a copy before you cancel anything.
    2. Import into Your product. Say which files you accept and how long an import takes.

    Tell readers the key date: December 1, 2026.

    Questions people ask

    If Your product has a direct answer to one of these, add it here. Keep it short and true.

    How to help new users settle in

    Send one short email. Say what changed, where to find you now, and what they need to do. Put the most important line first.

    If there is a date, send a short reminder a few days before it. Keep a copy of the list you sent it to.

    Sources

  5. 5 Search ideas to validate

    suggested, not measured Phrases people may search when a tool changes like this. We have no search volume data for them.

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