OpenAI has unveiled GPT-5.6, a new set of large language models (LLMs) that promise large strides forward in biology, coding, and security. However, it’s limiting initial access to a handful of customers — reportedly at the U.S. government’s request.
The new LLM range centers around the “flagship” model, GPT-5.6 Sol. It’s billed as “competitive” with Anthropic’s Mythos Preview cybersecurity tool when discovering vulnerabilities, but uses roughly a third of the output tokens. There are layered safeguards to prevent abuses by hackers, such as checks for model jailbreaks and malicious output, and OpenAI warns that Sol might block suspicious requests even if they’re well-intentioned.
- What’s included?
-
Unlimited conversations, faster response speed, priority access, and more
- Brand
-
ChatGPT
The company also touts improvements in output, latency, and cost for biology-related tasks like genomics, and coding scores better than Anthropic’s Mythos 5. You might want to use Sol if you’re a biologist or a dedicated vibe coder.
The other GPT-5.6 models, Terra and Luna, are built for the cost-conscious. Terra is said to be comparable to GPT-5.5 while costing half as much to use, while Luna delivers functionality at the “lowest cost.”
When ready for wider use, GPT-5.6 Sol will cost $5 per input and $30 per output. Terra drops those costs to $2.50 per input and $15 per output, while Luna is just $1 per input and $5 per output.
At the moment, however, OpenAI is only making GPT-5.6 models through its API and Codex for a “select group” of trusted companies and organizations. Broader availability through ChatGPT, the API, and Codex is coming sometime “soon.”
Why can’t I use GPT-5.6 yet?
The White House might be worried
OpenAI characterizes the GPT-5.6 debut as a preview, and says it’s using the limited release to determine whether the safeguards are strong enough to curb abuse without interfering with legitimate work. Feedback will reportedly help how the models understand context, minimize arbitrary blocks, and otherwise build a “smoother experience.”
However, the company might not have had much choice. Sources speaking to The Information claim the U.S. government’s Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) and Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP) “worked closely” with OpenAI, asking for a restricted initial release. Company CEO Sam Altman reportedly told staff federal officials would approve use “customer by customer” at first.
I’m not a programmer—but here’s why I prefer Codex over ChatGPT
Despite its name, Codex isn’t just for coders and programmers—anyone can and should use it.
The strategy would mirror that of Anthropic’s Project Glasswing, which limited early Mythos access over fears it was too powerful. Hackers could theoretically use it to find and exploit security flaws before software developers can patch them. However, Glasswing was a voluntary program where OpenAI was told to stagger its rollout.
The President signed an executive order on June 2 that called on AI developers to voluntarily submit models for government review (lasting up to 30 days) before a public release. The move is meant to spot potential problems with security, intellectual property, and confidentiality. While the White House says this doesn’t amount to “mandatory” licensing or permits, there’s a clear motivation to participate as it amounts to a government endorsement.
Stephan is the sports journalist for the Maple Grove Report.
