OpenAI Launches “Lightweight” Deep Research — Even Free Users Can Benefit!

OpenAI has launched a lightweight version of Deep Research, aiming to extend access for Plus, Team, and Pro users while reducing service costs. This new version is powered by OpenAI’s o4-mini and offers intelligence levels nearly equivalent to the original Deep Research. Although responses from the lightweight version are typically shorter, they still maintain depth and quality. Once a user reaches the usage limit of the original Deep Research, the system will automatically switch to the lightweight version. In addition, enterprise and education users will gain access next week. This update is seen as a step toward making access more equitable for all users, regardless of their subscription tier.