Three GPT-5.6 Models Set to Launch as Claude 5 Promotion Is Extended
OpenAI and Anthropic continue to compete for the generative AI market, where model performance, product portfolios and free access have become key tools for attracting users and developers. OpenAI is preparing to expand its GPT-5.6 lineup, while Anthropic has extended its free Claude Fable 5 promotion to lower the barrier to entry, underscoring intensifying competition between the companies.
OpenAI said it would launch three GPT-5.6 models — Sol, Terra and Luna — on Thursday, but has not yet disclosed their pricing or full specifications. Anthropic, meanwhile, extended its free Claude Fable 5 promotion through July 12, prolonging the no-cost trial period as it continues to pursue new users and market attention.
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The history behind this eventClaude Opus 5 Reportedly Could Debut This Week to Take On GPT-5.6
As competition in generative artificial intelligence intensifies, the technology rivalry between unicorn startup Anthropic and OpenAI has become a focal point for the tech industry. Each upgrade to Anthropic’s flagship Claude series directly shapes the global cloud-computing ecosystem and the development of enterprise AI applications. It also serves as a key gauge of the future computing costs of commercializing AI.
Anthropic is reportedly preparing to unveil its new flagship model, Claude Opus 5, as early as mid-July 2026. The model is expected to offer lower costs while delivering performance close to Fable 5. A mysterious model code-named Honeycomb previously appeared briefly in the Cursor editor, where testing showed a context limit of 1 million tokens, positioning it to compete directly with OpenAI’s GPT-5.6.
OpenAI Launches GPT-5.6 Family With Three New Models
OpenAI has divided GPT-5.6 into three capability tiers that can evolve independently: flagship model Sol; Terra, designed to balance everyday performance and cost; and Luna, focused on speed and affordability. The structure lets businesses allocate spending according to task complexity. Sol strengthens long-horizon agentic work, software development and cybersecurity research, and carries tighter safeguards because of potential misuse risks.
At the U.S. government’s request, OpenAI gave about 20 approved partners a limited preview on June 26, 2026, before releasing the models on ChatGPT, Codex and the API on July 9. Input/output prices per million tokens are $5/$30 for Sol, $2.50/$15 for Terra and $1/$6 for Luna. Sol scored 92.2% on BrowseComp and 62.6% on OSWorld 2.0, both record highs.
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