OpenAI launches a lightweight version of Deep Research for free users.

Golden Ten Data on April 25, OpenAI issued an article saying that we have noticed that many users like to use Deep Research, so OpenAI has expanded the use of Plus, Team and Pro users by introducing a lightweight version of Deep Research to improve the current rate limit. We’ve also introduced a lightweight version to free users. Powered by OpenAI’s o4-mini version, the lightweight version of Deep Research is close to the standard version of Deep Research that users know and love, while significantly reducing operating costs. This version maintains the depth and quality that users expect, while the responsiveness is generally more concise. When the quota of the Standard Edition is exhausted, the system automatically switches to the Light Edition to respond to queries. All Plus, Team, and Pro users have now expanded their use of Deep Research. Enterprise and education users will get access for the next week and will have the same usage level as Team users. Deep Research’s Lightweight Edition is rolling out to all free users starting today.