Research2026-10-18

OpenAI briefly exposed three Aurora image models in its API. The models are now in blind Arena tests. Aurora-red-alpha runs faster but produces lower quality images. Aurora-green-alpha is slower but yields better quality. Aurora-blue-alpha has not been tested yet. The models were likely pulled after an accidental rollout. Observers speculate these may be GPT-Image-3. No documentation or pricing exists for any Aurora model.

What changed

No Aurora models were available in OpenAI's API or Arena.

What it unlocks

Generating images with the new Aurora models in Arena tests.

Send this to someone who needs it

Shares the story and its sources. Nothing about you.

What does this mean for your job?

This is the story as everyone gets it. Once a week we send you the version written for your role — what changed, why it matters for the work you actually do, and one thing to try. Free while we tune it.