OpenAI makes its upgraded image generator available to developers

Tech Crunch - Apr 23rd, 2025
Open on Tech Crunch

OpenAI has expanded its image generation capabilities by integrating the technology behind its ChatGPT image generator into its API. This allows developers to incorporate these advanced features into their applications. The gpt-image-1 model, known for creating realistic Ghibli-style images and AI action figures, has seen significant engagement, with over 130 million ChatGPT users generating more than 700 million images in its first week. Key companies like Adobe, Wix, and Figma are already implementing or testing this technology in their platforms, showcasing its widespread appeal and utility.

The introduction of gpt-image-1 on OpenAI's API underlines the company's commitment to multimodal AI models, capable of generating diverse styles and adhering to custom guidelines. Importantly, OpenAI has ensured that safety measures are in place, with the model incorporating watermarking for content identification and moderation controls for developers. The pricing model is structured based on input and output tokens, making it accessible for various quality levels of image generation. This move has significant implications for the tech industry, potentially changing how applications manage and create visual content.

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RATING

7.2
Fair Story
Consider it well-founded

The article provides a clear and timely overview of OpenAI's new image generation API, highlighting its features and adoption by major companies. It scores well on clarity and timeliness, making it accessible and relevant to readers interested in AI advancements. However, the story could improve in balance and source quality by incorporating more diverse perspectives and independent verification. While it touches on potential controversies, it lacks depth in exploring ethical implications, which could enhance its impact and engagement. Overall, the article effectively informs readers about a significant technological development but would benefit from a more comprehensive analysis of its broader implications.

RATING DETAILS

8
Accuracy

The article accurately reports on OpenAI's release of its image generation API, mentioning the model's name (gpt-image-1) and its capabilities, such as generating images in various styles and adhering to guidelines. The statistics regarding user engagement—130 million users creating 700 million images—are presented with confidence, but these figures require direct confirmation from OpenAI for full verification. The pricing details for the API are specific and align with other reports, though they would benefit from further corroboration via OpenAI's official documentation. The article's mention of enterprise adoption by companies like Adobe and Figma is consistent with other sources, adding credibility to these claims. However, some elements, such as infrastructure strain and viral impact, lack third-party confirmation, indicating areas where the story could improve in accuracy.

7
Balance

The article provides a balanced view of the new API's release by highlighting both the positive aspects, such as the viral success and adoption by major companies, and the challenges, like the strain on OpenAI's capacity. However, it could benefit from more perspectives, particularly from developers or companies using the API, to provide a fuller picture of its impact and reception. The story focuses heavily on OpenAI's perspective, which might limit the reader's understanding of potential downsides or criticisms of the technology.

8
Clarity

The article is clear and well-structured, making it easy for readers to follow the main points about the API release and its features. The language is straightforward, and technical details are explained in an accessible manner. However, some sections, like the pricing structure, could benefit from additional clarification to ensure all readers fully understand the cost implications.

6
Source quality

The article primarily relies on information from OpenAI, which is a credible primary source for details about its own products. However, the lack of diverse sources or independent verification from third-party experts or industry analysts limits the article's source quality. Including insights from developers or industry experts who have used the API could enhance the credibility and depth of the reporting.

7
Transparency

The article is transparent about the source of its information, primarily citing OpenAI's announcements and data. However, it lacks detailed explanations of how the statistics were derived, such as the methodology behind the user engagement figures. Providing more context on how data was collected or any potential biases in reporting would improve transparency.

Sources

  1. https://techcrunch.com/2025/04/23/openai-makes-its-upgraded-image-generator-available-to-developers/
  2. https://community.openai.com/t/api-for-image-generation-for-gpt-4o-model/1153132
  3. https://www.maginative.com/article/developers-can-now-tap-openais-image-model-through-api/
  4. https://adtmag.com/articles/2025/04/23/openai-releases-model-via-api-for-developer-integration.aspx
  5. https://platform.openai.com/docs/guides/images