Microsoft
Image generation model
MAI-Image-2.6
MAI-Image-2.6 is an image generation and editing model from Microsoft AI, the precision tier of the MAI-Image-2.6 family alongside the faster [MAI-Image-2.6 Flash](/microsoft/mai-image-2.6-flash).
At a glance
- Per image
- Not available
- Output / 1M
- $38
- Image Elo
- 1318
- Editing Elo
- 1254
- Max prompt
- 4K
- Released
- Sep 2026
Pricing
MAI-Image-2.6 price per image
What one image costs, the underlying API rates, and what bigger batches add up to.
| Cost per imageEstimated, ~1 megapixel (1024×1024) | Not available |
|---|---|
| Image outputPer 1M image tokens | $38 |
| Tokens per imageFor one ~1MP image | Not available |
| Prompt textPer 1M input tokens | $5 |
Single image
1 image
Not available
Social media batch
50 images
Not available
Product catalog
1,000 images
Not available
Quality
MAI-Image-2.6 image quality rankings
Elo ratings from Design Arena, where people vote between two anonymous images made from the same prompt. Higher is better.
Image generation
#21318
Wins 60.9% of head-to-head votes
Image editing
#31254
Wins 53.6% of head-to-head votes
Graphic design
#21328
Wins 62.2% of head-to-head votes
Logos
#21291
Wins 58% of head-to-head votes
Rank is the model’s position on the Design Arena leaderboard for each category.
Specs
Inputs, outputs, and creative controls
What it accepts, what it gives back, and which controls you get.
- Accepts
- Image, Text
- Produces
- Image
- Max prompt length
- 4K tokens
- Reasoning step
- No
- Release date
- September 4, 2026
- Image editingAccepts reference or source images
- Text alongside imagesCan explain or caption what it made
- Thinks before drawingPlans the image with a reasoning step
- Reproducible seedsSame seed, same image
- Temperature controlTrade consistency for variety
Compare
MAI-Image-2.6 vs other models
See how MAI-Image-2.6 stacks up head to head on price, benchmarks, and features.
MAI-Image-2.6 vs Riverflow V2.5 Pro
Microsoft vs Sourceful
See comparisonMAI-Image-2.6 vs MAI-Image-2.6 Flash
Microsoft vs Microsoft
See comparison
MAI-Image-2.6 vs Nano Banana 2
Microsoft vs Google
See comparisonMAI-Image-2.6 vs Nano Banana Pro
Microsoft vs Google
See comparisonMAI-Image-2.6 vs MAI-Image-2.5
Microsoft vs Microsoft
See comparisonMAI-Image-2.6 vs FLUX.2 Flex
Microsoft vs Black Forest Labs
See comparisonMore MAI-Image-2.6 comparisons
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs FLUX.2 Pro
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Nano Banana
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs GPT Image 2.5 Sunburst
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Seedream 4.5
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Nano Banana 2 Lite
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs GPT-5.4 Image 2
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs GPT Image 2
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs GPT Image 2.5 Flare
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Ming Image 0.1 Design
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs Nano Banana 2.1
- MAI-Image-2.6 vs GPT Image 1
Alternatives
MAI-Image-2.6 alternatives
Similar models worth considering, and where each one has the edge.
Microsoft
MAI-Image-2.6 Flash
Nano Banana 2.1
inclusionAI
Ming Image 0.1 Design
Want to learn about other models? Browse all models
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
How much does MAI-Image-2.6 cost per image?
MAI-Image-2.6 charges $38 per 1M image output tokens. The token count for one image is not available, so there is no per-image price.
Can MAI-Image-2.6 edit existing images?
Yes. MAI-Image-2.6 accepts reference images, so you can upload a photo and ask for changes like a new background, a different style, or added text.
What is the best alternative to MAI-Image-2.6?
MAI-Image-2.6 Flash from Microsoft is a strong alternative. It offers: better at image editing.
Can I use MAI-Image-2.6 alongside other image models?
Yes. Shortcut Chat sends one prompt to MAI-Image-2.6 and any other image models you pick at the same time, so you can compare results side by side.
Try MAI-Image-2.6 next to every other image model.
Use MAI-Image-2.6 alongside all the other image models. Use one at a time, or multiple together. Get the best image from AI.