The Hangzhou start-up’s latest chatbot update sparks speculation over whether the expert mode is linked to the long-delayed V4 model
2-MIN READ2-MIN ListenVincent ChowPublished: 6:00pm, 8 Apr 2026DeepSeek has introduced new “instant” and “expert” modes to its chatbot, the most significant update to its user interface since the Hangzhou-based start-up gained global recognition.The changes come ahead of the much-anticipated release of DeepSeek’s next-generation flagship model V4 this month, more than a year after its R1 version made it a household name.
On Tuesday, the company added the two modes to its website and mobile app, giving users the choice of settings. Instant mode was designed for quick replies during “daily conversations”, while expert mode was intended for those with “complex problems” though it also warned that the service could be “busy at peak times”.
Artificial intelligence chatbots including Google’s Gemini and ByteDance’s Doubao also allow users to choose different usage modes to suit their needs.
Expert modes generally deliver faster and higher-quality responses, though they are more computationally demanding.
