OpenAI has launched a new “lightweight” version of its deep research tool within ChatGPT, making advanced research capabilities more accessible across its user base.
The update, announced Thursday, is now available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users, with free-tier users also gaining access starting today.
Powered by a scaled-down version of OpenAI’s o4-mini model, the lightweight tool is designed to deliver concise, high-quality research summaries while using fewer resources. Though slightly less powerful than the original deep research version, it allows for broader usage by reducing costs.
“Responses will typically be shorter while maintaining the depth and quality you’ve come to expect,” OpenAI shared in a series of posts on X. Once users hit their limits on the full deep research tool, the platform will automatically switch to the lightweight version.
Enterprise and educational users can expect to receive access next week, with usage levels matching those provided to Team accounts.
The update arrives amid growing competition in the AI research space, with tools from Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, and Elon Musk’s xAI Grok all vying for dominance. These platforms rely on advanced reasoning models designed to tackle complex questions and verify their own outputs—crucial features for trustworthy AI-powered research.
