OpenAI Unveils ChatGPT Images, Targeting Nano Banana in the AI Image Market
OpenAI announced the launch of ChatGPT Images, a new generative‑AI service designed to compete directly with the recently introduced Nano Banana platform. The rollout, which began early Tuesday, adds image‑creation capabilities to the existing ChatGPT suite, allowing users to generate visuals from text prompts without leaving the chat interface.
ChatGPT Images builds on the company’s earlier work with DALL·E, extending the model’s resolution, style variety, and integration speed. According to OpenAI’s technical brief, the service can produce high‑definition pictures in under ten seconds and supports a broader range of content filters to meet commercial and educational use cases. The feature is available to all ChatGPT Plus subscribers and will be expanded to enterprise customers later in the year.
The introduction of ChatGPT Images comes at a time when the AI‑generated art market is becoming increasingly crowded. Nano Banana, launched last month, gained attention for its low‑cost, mobile‑first approach and rapid adoption among social‑media creators. Industry analysts note that OpenAI’s entry could intensify competition, prompting both firms to accelerate feature development and pricing strategies. Observers also point out that the move reflects a broader trend of integrating text and visual generation within single conversational platforms.
Officials from OpenAI emphasized that the new tool aims to democratize visual content creation while maintaining responsible AI practices. They highlighted collaborations with external ethicists and the implementation of usage‑tracking mechanisms to prevent misuse. Meanwhile, consumer advocacy groups called for transparent disclosure when AI‑generated images are used in advertising or news media, urging regulators to update existing guidelines.
Looking ahead, experts predict that the convergence of conversational AI and image synthesis will reshape content production across industries, from marketing to education. OpenAI plans to refine the model’s artistic controls and introduce customizable style presets in upcoming updates. As the competition with Nano Banana and other emerging services unfolds, the market is likely to see faster innovation cycles and broader accessibility for creators worldwide.
