OpenAI announced the public launch of its GPT-5.6 model series, including the variants Sol, Luna, and Terra, scheduled for July 9. The company made the announcement via X, stating, “We’re expanding preview access globally now.” Initially, GPT-5.6 was introduced to a small group of trusted partners in late June following a request from the Trump administration.
President Trump signed an AI cybersecurity order in early June, requiring companies to submit their most powerful models for government review 30 days prior to public release. For the initial rollout of GPT-5.6, OpenAI limited access to select government-approved entities. OpenAI stated, “We don’t believe this kind of government access process should become the long-term default,” while complying to ensure a timely release of its latest model series.
GPT-5.6 Sol, along with Terra and Luna, will launch publicly this Thursday.
We’re expanding preview access globally now. pic.twitter.com/Uk5HcfSc2e
— OpenAI (@OpenAI) July 8, 2026
The Trump administration granted OpenAI permission for wider distribution after additional testing and discussions with the company. These tests were conducted by the Department of Commerce’s Center for AI Standards and Innovation, with OpenAI sending technical experts to Washington, D.C., to promptly address questions.
GPT-5.6 comprises three models: Sol, the strongest variant, Terra, designed for everyday use, and Luna, the most affordable option. Sol is priced at $5 per million input tokens and $30 per million output tokens. Terra offers similar performance to GPT-5.5 at $2.50 per million input tokens and $15 for output. Luna is the lowest-cost model at $1 per million input and $6 per million output.
Separately, Anthropic temporarily blocked access to its latest Mythos cybersecurity and Fable models to comply with government restrictions on use by foreign nationals. The company has since received government authorization to redeploy the Mythos 5 model and plans to release Fable 5 to the public in the future.
