OpenAI API cuts image output pricing, launches GPT-image-2
What happened
Between the Apr 21, 2026 and Apr 27, 2026 captures of OpenAI's pricing page, Pulse recorded one change: GPT-image-2 replaces GPT-image-1.5; image output pricing decreased from $32.00 to $30.00 per 1M tokens. GPT-5.4 nano removed from featured flagship section. Pulse files it as a pricing change (price decrease) with a downward direction. Pulse's latest capture (Oct 5, 2026) lists gpt-image-2.5-flare at $2 per 1M cached image input tokens + $30 per 1M image output tokens, gpt-6.1-sol at $0.2 per 1M cached input tokens (long context) + $2 per 1M input tokens (short context), gpt-6-luna at $0.25 per 1M cache write tokens (long context) + $0.2 per 1M input tokens (long context), gpt-5.6-sol at $30 per 1M output tokens (long context) + $8 per 1M input tokens (long context) and gpt-6-astra at $20 per 1M input tokens (long context) + $1 per 1M cached input tokens (short context).
It lands 25 days after OpenAI's previous change, "Openai API slashes web search tool price 60% to $10 per 1k calls" (Apr 2, 2026). Before that Pulse recorded "Openai API triples GPT-5 mini pricing, launches budget nano tier" (Mar 24, 2026), "Openai API launches GPT-5.4 at $2.50/M tokens, adds Containers tool" (Apr 6, 2026) and "Openai API adds Sora-2-pro HD video tier at $0.70/second" (Mar 18, 2026). OpenAI has been tracked since 2023-11-14.
In the same window Anthropic, Microsoft, Metabase and X also changed their AI & Machine Learning pricing pages. Those moves are listed further down, and the Pulse Agent can compare them side by side.
- — · Price−6%$32.00$30.00
| Plan | Field | Before | After | Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| — | Price | $32.00 | $30.00 | −6% |
Values as written on OpenAI's public pricing page in the two captures Pulse compared; where the page states no number, the cells give the wording before and after.
Evidence
The two captures Pulse comparedFull-page captures of OpenAI's pricing page (openai.com) from Apr 21, 2026 and Apr 27, 2026; the change is marked around the middle of the page, where price reads $32.00 and then $30.00.
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The two full-page captures with this change marked up are free with an account.
OpenAI, the last 90 days
Full history- Oct 5, 2026improvedOpenai API halves GPT-6.1 Sol cached input price to $0.10 per 1M tokens
- Aug 31, 2026packagingOpenai API Business: new $100/mo Premium seat tier + 200-employee cap
- May 11, 2026increaseOpenai API raises GPT-Realtime-2 text output 50%, adds translate
- Apr 27, 2026decreaseOpenAI API cuts image output pricing, launches GPT-image-2 · this change
- Apr 2, 2026decreaseOpenai API slashes web search tool price 60% to $10 per 1k calls
- Mar 24, 2026packagingOpenai API triples GPT-5 mini pricing, launches budget nano tier
- Apr 6, 2026packagingOpenai API launches GPT-5.4 at $2.50/M tokens, adds Containers tool
- Mar 18, 2026improvedOpenai API adds Sora-2-pro HD video tier at $0.70/second
- Mar 11, 2026packagingOpenai API launches GPT-5.4, adds 10% data residency surcharge
- Feb 18, 2026increaseOpenai API shifts Containers to per-session billing starting March 31
Across AI & Machine Learning in the same window
All AI & Machine Learning changes- AnthropicApr 21Anthropic API launches Managed Agents at $0.08 per session-hour of runtime
- MicrosoftApr 7Microsoft Copilot softens AI usage promises, tightens renewal terms
- MetabaseApr 4Metabase Launches Data Studio and Storage Add-Ons, Expands Free AI Access
- XFeb 18X adds real-time voice AI, drops structured outputs from API
Questions about this change
Did OpenAI raise prices in April 2026?
No — prices went down. Between Apr 21, 2026 and Apr 27, 2026 OpenAI's pricing page showed 1 price cut: $32.00 → $30.00 (−6%).
What changed on OpenAI's pricing page between Apr 21, 2026 and Apr 27, 2026?
Price: $32.00 → $30.00 (−6%). Pulse compared the captures it took on Apr 21, 2026 and Apr 27, 2026; the before/after table above lists each item as written on the page.
How often does OpenAI change its pricing?
Pulse recorded 6 other pricing-page changes for OpenAI in the 90 days before this one; the previous change was "Openai API slashes web search tool price 60% to $10 per 1k calls" on Apr 2, 2026; OpenAI has been tracked since 2023-11-14.
