GPT-5.6 Launch: White House Lifts OpenAI Restrictions

OpenAI is set to launch its GPT-5.6 Sol model this Thursday. The company announced this plan and is expanding preview access globally. Here's the thing: OpenAI's broader launch of these models follows approval from the White House. Previously, the company limited the release of its GPT-5.6 models at the government's request. They even shared the identities of trusted partners with the government during this period. OpenAI describes three new models: Sol, their flagship model with strong agentic capabilities in coding, biology, and cybersecurity. Terra is a balanced model for everyday work, performing like GPT-5.5 at half the cost. Luna is a fast and affordable model offering strong capability at the lowest cost. What's interesting is that rival AI company Anthropic is also restoring access to its Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models after the federal government lifted export controls. This shows a broader trend in AI model releases.