The 2025 image timeline
1–31 March 2025
3 models · 3 providersHiggsField, Reve and Runway shipped 3 image models between 1 March 2025 and 31 March 2025. Of the 3, 1 has a spec page and 2 have no page of their own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 4 credits on Reve Text to Image. Highest output in it: 4K on Higgsfield.
- New names on the roster: HiggsField, Reve, Runway.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| HiggsfieldAdvanced physics-inspired image generation | HiggsField | 23 credits | 4K | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 2:3, 3:2 |
| Reve Text to ImageEfficient text-to-image generation with clarity | Reve | 4 credits | 4K | 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4, 2:3 |
| Runway Gen4 ImageRunway Gen4 image generation model with high-quality creative outputs and style control | Runway | 5-8 credits | 1080p | 21:9, 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4, 9:16 |
1–8 April 2025
3 models · 3 providersMidjourney, PrunaAI and Runway shipped 3 image models between 1 April 2025 and 8 April 2025. Of the 3, 1 has a spec page, 1 is folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants and 1 has no page of its own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 1 credit on Pruna Text to Image. Highest output in it: 4K on Pruna Text to Image.
- New name on the roster: PrunaAI.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pruna Text to ImageFast text-to-image generation with Pruna | PrunaAI | 1 credit | 4K | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4, 3:2 |
| Midjourney V7Midjourney V7 text-to-image generation with photorealistic and artistic outputs | Midjourney | 10 credits | — | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4, 2:3 |
| Runway Gen4 Image TurbovariantFast variant of Runway Gen4 image generation for rapid creative iteration with quality outputs | Runway | 3 credits | 1080p | 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4, 1:1, 21:9 |
23 April – 20 May 2025
3 models · 2 providersGoogle and OpenAI shipped 3 image models between 23 April 2025 and 20 May 2025. Of the 3, 1 has a spec page, 1 is folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants and 1 has no page of its own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 2 credits on GPT Image 1 Edit. Highest output in it: 4K on GPT Image 1 Edit.
- New names on the roster: OpenAI, Google.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GPT Image 1 EditAI-powered image editing with GPT precision | OpenAI | 2 credits | 4K | 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 16:9, 9:16 |
| Imagen 4Premium model for photorealistic results (text-only) | 4 credits | 4K | 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4, 9:16, auto | |
| Imagen 4 UltravariantUltra-high definition image generation from text | 6 credits | 4K | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4 |
29 May – 1 June 2025
3 models · 2 providersFlux and Topaz Labs shipped 3 image models between 29 May 2025 and 1 June 2025. Of the 3, 2 have a spec page and 1 is folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants. Cheapest complete job in the window: 2 credits on Flux Kontext. Highest output in it: 4K on Flux Kontext.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flux KontextContext-aware generation with coherent compositions | Flux | 2 credits | 4K | 1:1, 9:16, 16:9, 2:3, 3:2, 3:4 |
| Flux Kontext MaxvariantMaximum context-aware image generation | Flux | 8 credits | 4K | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4, 3:2 |
| Topaz Image ColorizationAI-powered colorization of black-and-white images with natural, realistic color restoration | Topaz Labs | 8 credits | — | — |
11 June – 28 July 2025
3 models · 2 providersGrok and SeedVR shipped 3 image models between 11 June 2025 and 28 July 2025. Of the 3, 2 have a spec page and 1 has no page of its own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 1 credit on SeedVR Upscale. Highest output in it: 8K on SeedVR Upscale.
- New names on the roster: SeedVR, Grok.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SeedVR UpscaleVR-optimized image upscaling | SeedVR | 1 credit | 8K | 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 16:9, 9:16 |
| Grok Imagine ImageCreative image generation with Grok AI | Grok | 2 credits | 4K | 20:9, 19.5:9, 2:1, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3 |
| Grok Imagine Image QualityxAI Grok Imagine Image (Quality tier) text-to-image. Quality-optimized generation up to 2K resolution with a wide range of aspect… | Grok | 5 credits | 2K | 20:9, 19.5:9, 2:1, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3 |
4–5 August 2025
3 models · 2 providersLeonardo and Qwen shipped 3 image models between 4 August 2025 and 5 August 2025. Of the 3, 1 has a spec page, 1 is folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants and 1 has no page of its own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 1 credit on Qwen Image. Highest output in it: 4K on Qwen Image.
- New names on the roster: Qwen, Leonardo.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qwen ImageHigh-quality realistic images with excellent detail | Qwen | 1 credit | 4K | 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4, 2:3 |
| Qwen Image MaxvariantMaximum quality image generation with Qwen's most advanced visual AI model | Qwen | 8 credits | — | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4 |
| Leonardo Lucid OriginLeonardo AI origin model with lucid generation | Leonardo | 4 credits | 4K | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 3:2, 2:3, 4:5 |
15–26 August 2025
4 models · 2 providersGoogle and Qwen shipped 4 image models between 15 August 2025 and 26 August 2025. Of the 4, 1 has a spec page, 2 are folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants and 1 has no page of its own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 2 credits on Imagen 4 Fast. Highest output in it: 4K on Imagen 4 Fast.
- Raised the reference-image ceiling to 14 — Nano Banana Edit.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Imagen 4 FastvariantFast variant of Google Imagen 4 for quick generation | 2 credits | 4K | 1:1, 9:16, 16:9, 3:4, 4:3 | |
| Qwen Image EditImage editing with Qwen AI | Qwen | 2 credits | 4K | — |
| Nano BananaFast and efficient image generation with vibrant colors | 4 credits | 4K | 1:1, 9:16, 16:9, 3:4, 4:3, 3:2 | |
| Nano Banana EditvariantImage editing capabilities with NANO Banana model | 2 credits | 4K | 21:9, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 5:4, 1:1 |
9 September 2025
4 models · 1 providerByteDance shipped 4 image models on 9 September 2025. Of the 4, 1 has a spec page, 1 is folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants and 2 have no page of their own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 2 credits on Seedream 4.0. Highest output in it: 4K on ByteDance Seedream 4.
- New name on the roster: ByteDance.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ByteDance Seedream 4ByteDance advanced image generation with creative output | ByteDance | 3 credits | 4K | 1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9, 9:16, 3:2 |
| Seedream 4.0ByteDance Seedream 4.0 text-to-image. High-resolution generation (up to 4K) with multi-image output and built-in prompt… | ByteDance | 2 credits | 4K | 21:9, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4 |
| Seedream 4.0 EditvariantImage editing with Seedream 4.5 | ByteDance | 2 credits | 4K | 21:9, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4 |
| Seedream EditAdvanced image editing with Seedream | ByteDance | 2 credits | 4K | 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 16:9, 9:16 |
22–24 September 2025
3 models · 2 providersQwen and Wan shipped 3 image models between 22 September 2025 and 24 September 2025. Of the 3, 1 is folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants and 2 have no page of their own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 3 credits on Qwen Image Edit 2509. Highest output in it: 4K on Wan 2.5 Image to Image.
- New name on the roster: Wan.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qwen Image Edit 2509variantQwen Image Edit 2509 is an image editing model from Alibaba that enables precise modifications to existing images based on… | Qwen | 3 credits | — | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4 |
| Wan 2.5 Image to ImageImage-to-image transformation with WAN 2.5 | Wan | 5 credits | 4K | 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4, 9:16 |
| Wan Preview 2.5 Text to ImageText-to-image generation with WAN 2.5 | Wan | 5 credits | 4K | 1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9, 9:16 |
1–20 November 2025
3 models · 2 providersGoogle and Imagine shipped 3 image models between 1 November 2025 and 20 November 2025. Of the 3, 2 are folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants and 1 has no page of its own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 4 credits on ImagineArt 1.5. Highest output in it: 4K on ImagineArt 1.5.
- New name on the roster: Imagine.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ImagineArt 1.5Emotional and artistic image generation | Imagine | 4 credits | 4K | 3:1, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4 |
| Nano Banana ProvariantProfessional image generation with Nano Banana Pro | 15-30 credits | 4K | 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9 | |
| Nano Banana Pro EditvariantProfessional image editing with Nano Banana Pro | 8-15 credits | 4K | 21:9, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 5:4, 1:1 |
25 November 2025
3 models · 1 providerFlux shipped 3 image models on 25 November 2025. Of the 3, 1 has a spec page and 2 are folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants. Cheapest complete job in the window: 3 credits on Flux 2 Pro.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flux 2 FlexFlexible image generation and editing model from the Flux 2 family with versatile creative controls | Flux | 5 credits | — | 16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 4:3, 3:4 |
| Flux 2 ProvariantProfessional-grade image generation with the Flux 2 Pro model for high-quality detailed outputs | Flux | 3 credits | — | 16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 4:3, 3:4 |
| Flux 2 Pro EditvariantFlux 2 Pro is an advanced image editing model that allows users to modify and enhance images based on specific instructions. It… | Flux | 3 credits | — | 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4, 9:16, auto |
27 November – 1 December 2025
3 models · 3 providersKling, Qwen and Z-Image shipped 3 image models between 27 November 2025 and 1 December 2025. Of the 3, 2 have a spec page and 1 has no page of its own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 1 credit on Z Image Turbo. Highest output in it: 4K on Z Image Turbo.
- New names on the roster: Z-Image, Kling.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Qwen Z ImageAdvanced image generation model with enhanced creative capabilities | Qwen | 2 credits | — | 21:9, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4 |
| Z Image TurboHigh-speed image generation with Z-Image | Z-Image | 1 credit | 4K | 1:1, 16:9, 9:16, 4:3, 3:4 |
| Kling Image O1Kling Image O1 is an advanced image generation model by Kuaishou that produces high-quality, detailed images from text prompts.… | Kling | 3 credits | 2K | 21:9, 16:9, 3:2, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4 |
4 December 2025
3 models · 1 providerByteDance shipped 3 image models on 4 December 2025. Of the 3, 3 have no page of their own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 4 credits on Seedream 4.5. Highest output in it: 4K on Seedream 4.5.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seedream 4.5Advanced image generation with Seedream 4.5 | ByteDance | 4 credits | 4K | 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9 |
| Seedream 4.5 EditImage editing with Seedream 4.5 | ByteDance | 4 credits | 4K | 1:1, 2:3, 3:2, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9 |
| Seedream 4.5 Text to ImageText-to-image generation with Seedream 4.5 | ByteDance | 4 credits | 4K | 1:1, 4:3, 3:4, 16:9, 9:16 |
5–23 December 2025
7 models · 5 providersFlux, Meituan and OpenAI and 2 other providers shipped 7 image models between 5 December 2025 and 23 December 2025. Of the 7, 4 have a spec page, 2 are folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants and 1 has no page of its own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 2 credits on GPT Image 1.5. Highest output in it: 4K on GPT Image 1.5.
- Raised the reference-image ceiling to 16 — GPT Image 1.5.
- New name on the roster: Meituan.
| Model | Built by | Credits per job | Max output | Aspect ratios |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LongCat EditLongcat Edit is an image editing model that supports long-context image understanding and precise editing based on detailed… | Meituan | 15 credits | — | — |
| Flux 2 MaxMaximum quality image generation with the Flux 2 Max model for ultra-detailed photorealistic outputs | Flux | 7 credits | — | 16:9, 9:16, 1:1, 4:3, 3:4 |
| Flux 2 Max EditvariantMaximum quality image generation with the Flux 2 Max model for ultra-detailed photorealistic outputs | Flux | 7 credits | — | 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4, 9:16, auto |
| GPT Image 1.5GPT-powered image generation version 1.5 | OpenAI | 2 credits | 4K | 1:1, 2:3, 3:2 |
| Wan 2.6 ImagevariantImage-to-image transformation with WAN V2.6 | Wan | 3 credits | 4K | 16:9, 4:3, 1:1, 3:4, 9:16 |
| Wan 2.6 Text to ImageText-to-image generation with WAN V2.6 | Wan | 2 credits | 4K | 1:1, 4:3, 3:2 |
| Qwen Image Edit 2511Qwen Image Edit 2511 is an image editing model from Alibaba that enables precise modifications to existing images based on… | Qwen | 2 credits | — | 1:1, 5:4, 4:5, 5:6, 3:2 |
When 2025 was busy
9 of the twelve months carried a image release; the busiest window was 5–23 December 2025, with 7.
- March 2025
- 3
- April 2025
- 4
- May 2025
- 4
- June 2025
- 2
- July 2025
- 2
- August 2025
- 7
- September 2025
- 7
- November 2025
- 8
- December 2025
- 11
Who shipped image in 2025
ByteDance (7), Flux (7) and Google (7) led on volume. SKUs, not quality — four tiers of one model count four times.
| Provider | Models | Spec pages | First | Latest |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ByteDance | 7 | 1 | 9 September 2025 | 4 December 2025 |
| Flux | 7 | 3 | 29 May 2025 | 16 December 2025 |
| 7 | 2 | 20 May 2025 | 20 November 2025 | |
| Qwen | 6 | 3 | 4 August 2025 | 23 December 2025 |
| Wan | 4 | 1 | 24 September 2025 | 16 December 2025 |
| Grok | 2 | 1 | 28 July 2025 | 28 July 2025 |
| OpenAI | 2 | 0 | 23 April 2025 | 16 December 2025 |
| Runway | 2 | 1 | 31 March 2025 | 8 April 2025 |
| HiggsField | 1 | 0 | 1 March 2025 | 1 March 2025 |
| Imagine | 1 | 0 | 1 November 2025 | 1 November 2025 |
| Kling | 1 | 1 | 1 December 2025 | 1 December 2025 |
| Leonardo | 1 | 0 | 5 August 2025 | 5 August 2025 |
| Meituan | 1 | 1 | 5 December 2025 | 5 December 2025 |
| Midjourney | 1 | 1 | 3 April 2025 | 3 April 2025 |
| PrunaAI | 1 | 0 | 1 April 2025 | 1 April 2025 |
| Reve | 1 | 0 | 25 March 2025 | 25 March 2025 |
| SeedVR | 1 | 1 | 11 June 2025 | 11 June 2025 |
| Topaz Labs | 1 | 1 | 1 June 2025 | 1 June 2025 |
| Z-Image | 1 | 0 | 27 November 2025 | 27 November 2025 |
What 2025 moved
Firsts, measured against every image model released before them. “New name on the roster” is the provider label in the catalog, not the company — one lab can hold several labels.
- 1–31 March 2025
- New names on the roster: HiggsField, Reve, Runway.
- 1–8 April 2025
- New name on the roster: PrunaAI.
- 23 April – 20 May 2025
- New names on the roster: OpenAI, Google.
- 11 June – 28 July 2025
- New names on the roster: SeedVR, Grok.
- 4–5 August 2025
- New names on the roster: Qwen, Leonardo.
- 15–26 August 2025
- Raised the reference-image ceiling to 14 — Nano Banana Edit.
- 9 September 2025
- New name on the roster: ByteDance.
- 22–24 September 2025
- New name on the roster: Wan.
- 1–20 November 2025
- New name on the roster: Imagine.
- 27 November – 1 December 2025
- New names on the roster: Z-Image, Kling.
- 5–23 December 2025
- Raised the reference-image ceiling to 16 — GPT Image 1.5.
- New name on the roster: Meituan.
Dates are each model’s released_at value, walked in order and grouped until a window held 3 or more. Credits are what one complete generation costs per the model’s own price matrix; where it states none, the headline rate is shown and the model sits out the cheapest-in-window line.
Other release years
Frequently asked questions
How many AI image models were released in 2025?+
Versely's catalog carries 48 image models with a 2025 release date, from 19 providers, arriving in 14 launch windows between 1 March 2025 and 23 December 2025.
What was the biggest AI image launch of 2025?+
5–23 December 2025, with 7 image models from Flux, Meituan, OpenAI, Qwen and Wan. Of the 7, 4 have a spec page, 2 are folded into a parent model's page as tier or mode variants and 1 has no page of its own. Cheapest complete job in the window: 2 credits on GPT Image 1.5. Highest output in it: 4K on GPT Image 1.5.
Which company released the most AI image models in 2025?+
ByteDance, with 7 of the 48 image models dated 2025 — first on 9 September 2025, most recently on 4 December 2025. Flux shipped 7, Google shipped 7, Qwen shipped 6.
What changed in AI image generation in 2025?+
Measured against everything the catalog carried before it: New names on the roster: HiggsField, Reve, Runway; New name on the roster: PrunaAI; New names on the roster: OpenAI, Google.
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