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Published on
April 24, 2025
5 min read
Adobe Takes on OpenAI’s Viral AI Image Generator Tool with the Launch of Firefly App
Adobe has announced plans to unveil a mobile version of Firefly, CNBC reported. Firefly is Adobe’s AI-powered image generation tool. The launch of Adobe Firefly intensifies the competition with OpenAI, which has been expanding its AI technology to the visual application space.
Targeting Ad Creatives
By launching the AI-powered app, Adobe seeks to make ad design tools accessible to ad creatives round the clock. According to Adobe Firefly Vice President Alexandru Costin, creatives can use Adobe Firefly AI image generator app to sketch ad campaign ideas virtually as they commute to the office. This means by the time they get there, they already have a mood board to enable them to develop their ideas further.
“Creative people think on the go. One of the visions we have is for the Firefly mobile application to become a creative partner that sits with you all the time,” Costin said.
On April 24, the US-based software giant announced that it will be unveiling Adobe firefly mobile app on both Android and iOS platforms soon. The company made the announcement during the MAX Creativity Conference in London without specifying the actual launch date.
Taking on OpenAI’s Viral Feature
Adobe introduces the Firefly app at a time when the company is facing fierce competition from the rival OpenAI image generator and other well-funded startups like Runway. In March 2025, OpenAI unveiled a native feature for image generation that went viral due to its ability to create anime images in Studio Ghilbi, an animation style platform. OpenAI’s latest image generation feature can also recreate individuals as toy dolls.
OpenAI’s image generator runs on the GPT-4o model. Last month, the AI startup opened access to all users. Previously, access was limited to paying ChatGPT users only. Demand for the ChatGPT image generator feature surged significantly to a point where CEO Sam Altman raised concerns over melting graphics processing units.
“It’s super fun seeing people love images in ChatGPT. But our GPUs are melting,” he said on March 27.
Costin agrees that the market for AI-driven visual applications is getting more competitive. He however said that Adobe is not afraid of partnering with companies in this space. Adobe has already collaborated with Google, OpenAI, and Runway to include their image generation tools on its Firefly app.
“Competition is great. We think there will be models with different personalities and capabilities. Third-party partnerships bring us the opportunity to not only compete — it also gives us the benefits of innovation. It’s about understanding the needs of creatives, giving them the technology to help serve their needs,” Costin added.
New AI Models
Besides the Firefly app, Adobe announced plans to unveil its newest AI models. These are Firefly Image Model 4 Ultra and Firefly Image Model 4. The new models have the ability to create hyper-realistic videos and images in response to contextual prompts. Adobe said the tools do this in a safe way, without infringing intellectual property rights.
The company also said that it has already made Firefly Video Model, a video generation platform accessible to users. Last year, the software company showcased its creative software, Adobe Express at its legendary Adobe Design Made Easy event. The company highlighted how the software empowers teams to design content with ease. The event attracted sales executives, global marketers, HR and communication professionals.
