OpenAI Launches Lightweight Deep Research Tool for ChatGPT Users

OpenAI has introduced a new “lightweight” version of its ChatGPT deep research tool, now available to ChatGPT Plus, Team, and Pro users. The rollout, announced Thursday, expands to free users starting today.

A Streamlined Deep Research Experience

The lightweight deep research tool, powered by a version of OpenAI’s o4-mini model, offers similar depth and quality to the original but with shorter responses. According to OpenAI, this version is less resource-intensive, enabling the company to increase usage limits for users. Once a user reaches the limit of the original deep research tool, their queries will automatically shift to the lightweight version.

The launch follows a broader trend of deep research tools emerging from competitors like Google’s Gemini, Microsoft’s Copilot, and xAI’s Grok. These tools leverage reasoning AI models—systems designed to think through problems and fact-check themselves—key capabilities for producing in-depth, reliable research.

OpenAI also confirmed that Enterprise and educational ChatGPT users will gain access to the lightweight deep research tool next week, with the same usage levels as Team users.

What This Means

The debut of OpenAI’s lightweight deep research tool marks a pivotal moment in AI accessibility. As research tools become more central to how people learn, work, and make decisions, scalability without losing depth is critical. By using the o4-mini model, OpenAI ensures that even free and lower-tier users can conduct meaningful research at a time when demand for credible, AI-assisted insights is soaring.

This shift signals a broader evolution in AI development: companies are no longer focused solely on building the most powerful models—they’re now prioritizing tools that are efficient, affordable, and accessible to more people. By offering a lightweight research option, OpenAI is embracing this approach, aiming to bring high-quality AI assistance to everyday users—not just enterprise clients. In a space crowded with competitors like Google, Microsoft, and xAI, this strategy could redefine what the future of widely-used AI tools looks like.

As AI becomes the research assistant for millions, the race isn’t just about who’s smartest—it’s about who can deliver intelligence at scale, without compromise.

Editor’s Note: This article was created by Alicia Shapiro, CMO of AiNews.com, with writing, image, and idea-generation support from ChatGPT, an AI assistant. However, the final perspective and editorial choices are solely Alicia Shapiro’s. Special thanks to ChatGPT for assistance with research and editorial support in crafting this article.