ChatGPT"s Deep Research feature enables users to perform in-depth, multi-step research tasks. Deep Research can autonomously search the web, analyze data, and synthesize detailed reports with citations. Depending on the complexity of the requested research task, Deep Research takes 5 to 30 minutes to come up with a research report.
Today, OpenAI announced new improvements to the Deep Research feature in ChatGPT. When OpenAI introduced the Deep Research feature last year, it was powered by the OpenAI o3 model, which is optimized for web browsing and data analysis. Later, OpenAI introduced a new lightweight version of deep research powered by a version of o4-mini, which was more cost-efficient. Based on the subscription tier and the respective quota, Deep Research used o3 and o4-mini models. Today, OpenAI announced that the Deep Research feature is now powered by OpenAI"s latest GPT-5.2 model for better research reports.
Apart from the model upgrade, the Deep Research feature can now be connected to any MCP or app to restrict web searches to specific sites, enabling users to generate research reports based on authenticated, industry-standard sources. Previously, Deep Research reports were based on the entire web, leading to less accurate reports at times due to unreliable information found online.
Another common complaint among Deep Research users is that they weren"t able to make any changes to the research request once the feature started to prepare the report. With this latest update, users can now track research progress in real-time and interrupt the process to refine it with follow-up prompts or new sources. This will allow users to better steer the research report based on their needs.
OpenAI has also updated the visual experience of the Deep Research feature to make it easier to start, track, and review research from end to end. Users can now view the Deep Research final report in full screen with a table of contents for easy navigation and more. As always, users can share the report or download it as a PDF or DOCX once the report is ready.