OpenAI Launches New ChatGPT Images Tool to Rival Nano Banana: How to Try It – Nano Banana Has Been a Major Hit for Google, and Now OpenAI Is Striking Back

In the fiercely competitive arena of generative AI, OpenAI has fired a significant salvo. On December 16, 2025, the company unveiled an upgraded ChatGPT Images tool, powered by its new flagship model GPT-Image-1.5. This launch directly challenges Google’s wildly popular Nano Banana (and its Pro variant), the viral image generation and editing feature integrated into Gemini that has captivated millions with its hyper-realistic outputs, precise edits, and seamless conversational workflow.

Nano Banana, Google’s whimsical codename for its advanced image models (built on Gemini 3 Pro for the Pro version), exploded in popularity throughout 2025, driving Gemini’s user base to new heights and sparking viral trends from personalized portraits to intricate infographics. Users praised its ability to maintain consistency across edits, render legible text, and blend multiple images naturally—all while leveraging Gemini’s real-world knowledge for contextually accurate results.

Now, OpenAI is countering with ChatGPT Images, promising up to 4x faster generation, superior instruction-following, precise targeted edits that preserve details like lighting and composition, and a dedicated creative hub within ChatGPT. This isn’t just an incremental update; it’s OpenAI’s bold response to internal “code red” urgency sparked by Google’s momentum, aiming to reclaim dominance in AI-driven creativity.

Available immediately to all ChatGPT users globally (with API access as GPT-Image-1.5), this tool transforms image creation and editing into a more intuitive, delightful experience. Whether you’re a casual user crafting holiday cards, a marketer designing assets, or a developer building apps, ChatGPT Images positions OpenAI to compete head-on with Nano Banana’s viral appeal.

The Catalyst: Nano Banana’s Meteoric Rise

Google’s Nano Banana first gained traction in mid-2025 as part of Gemini updates, offering conversational image editing that felt magical—change outfits, blend scenes, or restyle photos with simple prompts while keeping subjects consistent. The Pro version, tied to Gemini 3, elevated it further: hyper-realistic renders, multi-language text, 4K resolution, and integration with tools like Google Ads and Photos.

Its viral success—fueled by shareable, meme-worthy outputs—helped Gemini surge in downloads and engagement. Analysts noted it broadened AI’s appeal beyond text, drawing casual users into the ecosystem. OpenAI, facing speculation of falling behind, responded swiftly with this upgrade.

Unveiling ChatGPT Images: Key Advancements in GPT-Image-1.5

OpenAI’s new model focuses on reliability and speed, addressing pain points in prior iterations where edits often reinterpreted entire images unpredictably.

Standout features:

• 4x Faster Generation: Queue multiple images while others process; ideal for iterative workflows.
• Precise, Targeted Edits: Change only specified elements (add/remove objects, alter styles, transpose features) while preserving consistency in faces, lighting, and composition across sessions.
• Stronger Instruction-Following: Better adherence to complex prompts, yielding outputs closer to your vision on the first try.
• Detail Preservation: Maintains branding, likeness, and context—crucial for marketing, e-commerce, and personal projects.
• Dedicated Images Hub: A new sidebar tab in ChatGPT (web and app) with presets, trending prompts, styles (e.g., sketches, portraits), and an inspiration feed.

Early tests show GPT-Image-1.5 excelling in photorealism, varied text rendering, and natural edits—matching or surpassing Nano Banana Pro in complex scenarios like multi-image blending or subtle modifications.

For developers, API pricing is 20% lower for inputs/outputs, enabling cost-effective integration into tools like creative apps or product visualizers.

Head-to-Head: ChatGPT Images vs. Nano Banana Pro

Both tools shine in conversational editing, but differences emerge:

• Speed and Efficiency: ChatGPT Images claims 4x faster; Nano Banana Pro leverages Gemini’s reasoning for context-aware outputs.
• Editing Precision: Both excel at targeted changes; ChatGPT emphasizes consistency across edits, Nano Banana at real-world knowledge integration (e.g., accurate diagrams).
• Interface: ChatGPT’s dedicated hub fosters exploration; Nano Banana integrates deeply into Gemini ecosystem (e.g., Search grounding).
• Accessibility: Both free with limits; paid tiers unlock more (ChatGPT Plus/Pro, Gemini Advanced).
• Strengths: ChatGPT for photorealism and branding; Nano Banana Pro for infographics, text, and viral creativity.

Independent tests suggest parity in many prompts, with preferences varying by use case—ChatGPT often more “polished,” Nano Banana more “literal” or knowledge-rich.

How to Try ChatGPT Images Right Now

Access is straightforward—no waitlists or extras needed.

1. Via Web: Visit chatgpt.com, log in, and click the new “Images” tab in the sidebar.
2. Via App: Update ChatGPT (iOS/Android), tap the sidebar for Images.
3. Start Creating: Upload photos or describe from scratch. Use presets or trending ideas for quick starts.
4. Editing Tips: Prompt specifically (e.g., “Remove the background object but keep lighting intact”).
5. Limits: Free users have daily caps; Plus/Pro for higher volumes.

Explore the gallery for inspiration—OpenAI highlights diverse outputs from portraits to infographics.

Broader Implications in the AI Arms Race

This launch underscores escalating rivalry: OpenAI’s rapid iteration counters Google’s distribution advantages. With image tools driving user growth (Nano Banana boosted Gemini significantly), expect further innovations—perhaps Disney character integration in early 2026 for ChatGPT.

For creators, dual access means best-of-both-worlds experimentation.

Conclusion: A New Era of Accessible AI Creativity

OpenAI’s ChatGPT Images, fueled by GPT-Image-1.5, is a formidable rival to Google’s Nano Banana—faster, more precise, and seamlessly integrated into the world’s most popular chatbot. As Nano Banana captivated with viral magic, ChatGPT Images invites deeper, reliable creativity for all.

Dive in today: generate, edit, iterate. Whether crafting personal memories, professional assets, or wild ideas, this tool empowers imagination like never before. In the OpenAI-Google showdown, users win—try ChatGPT Images now and see the future unfold.