LAHORE – OpenAI has significantly reduced API pricing for two models in its GPT-5.6 family after improving the efficiency of the systems that power its artificial intelligence services.
The updated pricing took effect on July 30, just weeks after the GPT-5.6 model family became generally available on July 9. While GPT-5.6 Luna and GPT-5.6 Terra have received notable price reductions, the flagship GPT-5.6 Sol model retains its existing pricing.
GPT-5.6 Luna gets the biggest price cut
The largest reduction applies to GPT-5.6 Luna, the fastest and most affordable model in the GPT-5.6 lineup.
Its input token price has fallen from $1 to $0.20 per million tokens, while output pricing has dropped from $6 to $1.20 per million tokens. The changes represent an 80% reduction in API costs, making Luna considerably cheaper for developers building AI-powered applications.
Read more: Major record labels seek stricter global rules for AI-generated songs
GPT-5.6 Terra also becomes more affordable
OpenAI has also reduced the cost of GPT-5.6 Terra by 20%.
The model now costs $2 per million input tokens, down from $2.50, while output pricing has decreased from $15 to $12 per million tokens.
Meanwhile, GPT-5.6 Sol continues to cost $5 per million input tokens and $30 per million output tokens, with no pricing changes announced.
Read more: Linux RefluXFS vulnerability to let attackers gain root priviliges
Why OpenAI reduced API prices
According to OpenAI, the lower API pricing is the result of improvements across several areas of its AI infrastructure.
The company said it has enhanced model efficiency, inference systems, hardware utilization, production software and context management, allowing it to reduce operational costs.
OpenAI also noted that GPT-5.6 Sol has contributed to improving production systems by reducing serving costs by approximately 20% while increasing token-generation efficiency by more than 15%.
New Fast mode for GPT-5.6 Sol
Alongside the pricing update, OpenAI has introduced a new Fast mode for GPT-5.6 Sol in its API.
The new option replaces the previous Priority Processing service and can deliver response speeds of up to 2.5 times faster than the standard API. OpenAI said Fast mode offers improved performance without changing the model’s intelligence.
Developers choosing Fast mode will pay twice the standard API price for the higher processing speed.
ChatGPT and Codex subscriptions unchanged
OpenAI confirmed that the latest API pricing changes do not affect ChatGPT or Codex subscription plans.
However, because GPT-5.6 Terra and GPT-5.6 Luna now cost less to operate, they will consume fewer usage credits in ChatGPT Work and Codex, allowing users to complete more tasks within the same usage budget.
Read more: Pakistani freelancers outperform earn record $1.76 billion
Key points:
- OpenAI has reduced GPT-5.6 API prices for its Luna and Terra models following improvements in infrastructure efficiency.
- GPT-5.6 Luna now costs 80% less, with input pricing dropping to $0.20 per million tokens.
- GPT-5.6 Terra receives a 20% price reduction, lowering both input and output token costs.
- GPT-5.6 Sol pricing remains unchanged, but the company has introduced a new Fast mode for API users.
- ChatGPT and Codex subscription prices are unchanged, although Terra and Luna will consume fewer credits in ChatGPT Work and Codex.
