OpenAI is rolling out a new simplified version of the deep research function in ChatGPT. This feature is available for free to all users, though it comes with usage limits.

For paying users, the simplified version will be automatically activated once the limits of the full Deep Research are reached. "Responses will be shorter, yet they will maintain the depth and quality you are accustomed to," notes OpenAI.

The tool operates on the o4-mini model — a simplified version of the larger o4 model, which incurs lower processing costs for requests. As a result, this allows OpenAI to increase usage limits.