OpenAI Launches Lightweight Version of Deep Research for Broader Access
Two months after introducing Deep Research , its AI-powered research tool designed to handle complex, multi-step investigations, OpenAI is now rolling out a lightweight version to make the tool more accessible. Initially available only to top-tier Pro users , Deep Research was later expanded to include all ChatGPT subscription plans (Plus, Team, Edu, and Enterprise), with varying usage limits based on the tier.
What is Deep Research?
Deep Research is an advanced AI agent that acts as a digital research analyst. It sifts through vast amounts of online information, analyzes data, and synthesizes findings into comprehensive reports complete with citations. Powered by a specialized version of OpenAI’s o3 model , it excels at handling nuanced queries, uncovering niche details, and producing detailed results—though this can sometimes take significant time.
Introducing the Lightweight Version
The new lightweight version of Deep Research is powered by the o4-mini model , a more cost-efficient engine that allows OpenAI to increase the number of research tasks users can perform. While the company states that the lightweight version retains much of the “depth and quality” of the original, responses will generally be shorter and faster to generate.
This streamlined iteration lowers operational costs, enabling broader access to the tool while maintaining its core functionality. However, users should expect slightly less verbosity in the outputs compared to the full version.
OpenAI Expands Access to Lightweight Deep Research for All Users
OpenAI is integrating the new lightweight version of its Deep Research tool into the existing usage limits for the original version. This rollout introduces a more accessible, cost-efficient way to perform AI-driven research tasks while maintaining much of the tool’s quality.
The lightweight version is initially available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users , with OpenAI confirming immediate access for Free users as well. This marks a significant step in democratizing access to advanced AI research tools. Meanwhile, Enterprise and Educational users are expected to gain access shortly, with usage limits aligned to those of Team users.
By adding the lightweight tasks to the current quotas, OpenAI ensures that all users can benefit from the enhanced capabilities without additional restrictions. This move highlights OpenAI’s commitment to making powerful AI tools more inclusive and scalable across different user tiers.