OpenAI has released GPT-5.6 Sol, Terra, and Luna models, along with the "Ultra" mode for Codex. This new mode, available since July 9, 2026, allows the GPT-5.6 Sol model to proactively break down tasks and delegate them to multiple parallel sub-agents. While this can lead to faster and more comprehensive results for complex tasks, it significantly increases token consumption, with third-party estimates ranging from 2-4x to 6-12x higher than standard usage. OpenAI itself describes Ultra as a "spending lever, not an efficiency lever," suggesting it is most beneficial for large, decomposable tasks rather than simple edits or routine fixes. AI
IMPACT Accelerates complex task completion for developers but significantly increases costs, requiring careful task selection for cost-effectiveness.
RANK_REASON Frontier-lab model release with system card. [lever_c_demoted from frontier_release: ic=1 ai=1.0]
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