OpenAI Says GPT-5.6 Models Will Launch Publicly Thursday

According to Axios, OpenAI said late Tuesday that it will publicly launch its advanced GPT-5.6 flagship model Sol, along with lower-tier models Terra and Luna, on Thursday. A source familiar with the situation told Axios the Trump administration had given OpenAI the green light for a broad release after additional testing and meetings with government officials, including work conducted by the Center for AI Standards and Innovation within the Department of Commerce. A White House official disputed that any approval or clearance was granted, saying no such permission is required and citing President Trump’s June 2 executive order barring mandatory federal licensing or preclearance for releasing AI models; the official said any testing or meetings are voluntary and release decisions rest with the companies.