Midjourney V8.1 Becomes Default Model: Native 2K Output and 4–5× Speed Boost
Midjourney
Midjourney made V8.1 the default model on June 11, 2026. Key improvements over V7: native 2K HD output without upscaling, render speeds roughly 4–5x faster (standard SD jobs finish in about 4 seconds, HD in 12 seconds), while maintaining V7's aesthetic style. V8.1 had been available in alpha since April 14 but is now the production default for all users.
Why it matters
V8.1 replaces V7 as the everyday model for millions of Midjourney users. Native 2K resolution combined with a 4–5× speed improvement meaningfully lowers iteration cost for professional workflows.
Importance: 3/5
Default model change for millions of Midjourney users, 4-5x speed with native 2K