GPT-5.6 Is Official: OpenAI Launches Sol, Terra & Luna After US Security Review
GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra & Luna launch today after a US government security delay. Benchmarks, pricing, and what's actually new.
GPT-5.6 Is Official: OpenAI Launches Sol, Terra & Luna After US Security Review
After weeks of waiting — and an unusual government-mandated hold — OpenAI's GPT-5.6 is live today . The new model family includes three variants: Sol (flagship), Terra (balanced), and Luna (fast and affordable). Here's what you need to know. Why Was GPT-5.6 Delayed? On June 26, OpenAI announced it was restricting the initial rollout at the US government's request. Only around 20 pre-approved partners could access it while the Commerce Department's Center for AI Standards and Innovation ran a security review. The concern? GPT-5.6 showed significant jumps in cybersecurity and biological research capabilities — exactly the kind of dual-use power that Washington worries could be exploited by adversaries. OpenAI complied but made clear this kind of delay "shouldn't be the norm." The clearance came through. GPT-5.6 officially launches today, July 9 . Model Tier Best For Price (per 1M tokens) Standout Feature GPT-5.6 Sol Flagship Agentic workflows, research, coding $5 in / $30…