OpenAI has introduced a lightweight version of its ChatGPT deep research tool , designed to provide users with cost-efficient and faster responses while maintaining the depth and quality of research. This new version is powered by OpenAI’s o4-mini model, which is optimised for reasoning and data synthesis.
Once limits for the original version of deep research are reached, queries automatically default to the lightweight version,” said the company. “The lightweight version of deep research is powered by a version of OpenAI o4-mini and is nearly as intelligent as the deep research people already know and love, while being significantly cheaper to serve. Responses will typically be shorter while maintaining the depth and quality you’ve come to expect.
The lightweight deep research tool is now available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, with plans to extend access to Enterprise and educational users next week. OpenAI has also made the tool accessible to free-tier users, offering five tasks per month. Paying users benefit from expanded usage limits , with the tool seamlessly switching to the lightweight version once limits for the original deep research are reached.
they retain the structured logic and citations that users expect from the original deep research tool While responses from the lightweight version are shorter. OpenAI claims the lightweight model is cheaper to serve, enabling broader adoption without compromising the user experience.