Microsoft Foundry / Azure OpenAI · model
MAI-Image-2 deprecation: shutdown date & replacement
Shut down August 15, 2026
- Provider
- Microsoft Foundry / Azure OpenAI
- Name
- MAI-Image-2 (2026-02-20)
- Type
- model
- Announced
- —
- Shutdown
- Replacement
MAI-Image-2.5- Source
- Official Microsoft Foundry / Azure OpenAI notice
Azure lifecycle stage: Retired. Version 2026-02-20.
How to migrate off MAI-Image-2
- Find every place that references it:
grep -rn --exclude-dir={node_modules,.git,dist} "MAI-Image-2" . - Replace the model ID:
- model: "MAI-Image-2" + model: "MAI-Image-2.5" - Re-run your evals or a sample of real prompts — output style, token usage and pricing can change between models.
- Check config outside code too: environment variables, feature flags, prompt-management tools, and fine-tuned model references.
- Deploy before August 15, 2026, and add the CI scanner so it cannot come back.
Also shutting down on August 15, 2026 (Microsoft Foundry / Azure OpenAI)
Questions
Is MAI-Image-2 deprecated?
Yes. Microsoft Foundry / Azure OpenAI has deprecated MAI-Image-2. It was shut down on August 15, 2026.
When does MAI-Image-2 shut down?
August 15, 2026, according to Microsoft Foundry / Azure OpenAI's official deprecation notice.
What should I use instead of MAI-Image-2?
Microsoft Foundry / Azure OpenAI recommends MAI-Image-2.5. Switch the model ID and re-test your prompts, since outputs, pricing and limits can differ.
What happens to requests to MAI-Image-2 after the shutdown?
Requests using the retired model ID fail with an error, so any code still calling it breaks. Update and deploy before the shutdown date.