OpenAI to unveil GPT-5.6 on July 9 after US security concerns delay

OpenAI is preparing to unveil its latest and most advanced artificial intelligence model, GPT-5.6, on July 9. This anticipated release comes after the U.S. government requested a delay due to concerns regarding national security and potential misuse of the technology. In addition to GPT-5.6, OpenAI plans to introduce the GPT-5.6 Sol variant, along with the more affordable Terra and Luna models. This announcement follows a brief period during which the company was instructed to limit access to a select group of trusted partners, as advised by the previous administration. To address the government’s concerns, OpenAI has conducted further testing and engaged in discussions with officials to ensure that security issues are adequately addressed. When the features of GPT-5.6 were initially showcased, the company highlighted its enhanced capabilities, particularly in coding, biology, and cybersecurity. The GPT-5.6 Sol version is said to be a specialized model, akin to Anthropic's Mythos Preview on the ExploitBench, which assesses AI models' abilities to comprehend and tackle cybersecurity exploitation tasks. Following the resolution of security concerns, OpenAI confirmed that these models would be made available to the public on Thursday, July 9, 2026. The heightened focus on national security regarding AI models is not unique to OpenAI. Anthropic, another key player in the AI landscape, encountered similar restrictions with its Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models, which have since been deployed to users. The U.S. government's apprehensions about the misuse of powerful AI technologies have intensified, especially after President Trump signed an executive order in June aimed at overseeing the release of advanced AI models. This order encourages AI companies to voluntarily share their most potent models with the government prior to public release, allowing federal agencies a 60-day window for formal evaluations. OpenAI has committed to collaborating with the government to establish a framework for these evaluations, setting a standard for future AI model launches.