OpenAI rolled out GPT-5.6 on June 26, 2026 but limited access at the U.S. government’s request. Washington is treating the most advanced U.S.-developed models as products needing government review before wide release.
Three versions: Sol (most powerful), Terra (efficiency/power balance), Luna (speed/affordability). Limited preview to ~20 government-approved companies; expansion next week; broad release in coming weeks. CEO Sam Altman previewed GPT-5.6 with White House in early June.
OpenAI: “We don’t believe this kind of government access process should become the long-term default.” Taking short-term step to develop cyber EO framework and repeatable release process. Government aware of broad launch plans and expressed support barring concerns in additional testing.