Trump Admin Approves Public Release Of OpenAI's GPT-5.6 Models Ahead Of Thursday Release

The Trump administration has approved the wide public release of OpenAI's advanced GPT-5.6 model family, a source familiar with the discussions confirmed to Axios on Tuesday. OpenAI announced late Tuesday night that its flagship model, named Sol, along with the more accessible Terra and Luna variants, will launch publicly this Thursday.

The decision marks the latest delayed rollout due to coordination between the U.S. government and leading AI companies over access to frontier systems.

GPT-5.6 Sol, along with Terra and Luna, will launch publicly this Thursday.

We’re expanding preview access globally now. pic.twitter.com/Uk5HcfSc2e

— OpenAI (@OpenAI) July 8, 2026

GPT-5.6 sol launches thursday!

happy building

— Sam Altman (@sama) July 8, 2026

OpenAI announced the models in June - with an initial commitment to allow a