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Chinese artificial intelligence startup DeepSeek began previewing its fourth-generation model on Friday, marking its most significant product update since the low-cost V3 system helped propel the company into the global spotlight last year.
DeepSeek said in a post on its WeChat account that the new model, DeepSeek V4, will be introduced in pro and flash versions and will succeed V3, which was released in December 2024.
DeepSeek did not provide pricing, detailed performance benchmarks beyond broad claims, or a final timetable for a full release. Instead, it described the preview as an early-stage rollout designed to gather real-world feedback before wider deployment.
The company’s approach suggests it is testing demand and refining the product before committing to a broader launch.
V4’s preview follows DeepSeek’s earlier breakthrough with V3, which drew global attention for delivering strong performance at relatively low cost. That development helped position DeepSeek as one of China’s most closely watched AI challengers.
In its latest statement, DeepSeek described V4 as a major upgrade and the superior successor to V3.
DeepSeek is rolling out V4 in two variants: pro and flash. The split reflects a common strategy in the AI sector—pairing a higher-end option for more demanding use cases with a lighter, faster, and potentially cheaper deployment path.
While DeepSeek has not yet spelled out the exact differences between the two versions, the product structure indicates an effort to reach a broader range of developers and enterprise customers.
DeepSeek’s V4 is also being closely followed due to reported hardware ties. Earlier this month, The Information reported that V4 would run on Huawei’s latest chips.
The development is notable as Chinese AI firms adapt to US export controls and look for domestic alternatives to Nvidia hardware. It also positions the rollout as a test of how far China’s AI ecosystem can scale advanced models using locally sourced infrastructure.
The timing of the preview is significant as DeepSeek seeks to build on attention generated by its earlier models while re-entering the market with a refreshed line-up and renewed visibility.
With competition intensifying between Chinese and US AI developers, V4 is expected to be watched as an indicator of whether DeepSeek can convert last year’s viral rise into a more durable product and business franchise.
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