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DeepSeek plans V4.1 Flash for September 10th and will route Pro traffic to it

The temporary backend swap will give Pro API users the new model at Flash rates while DeepSeek prepares V4.1 Pro.

By Ryan Merket · Published Sep 9th, 2026, 4:39pm CT

Why it matters

DeepSeek is using a cheaper model to replace its premium API tier, forcing developers onto V4.1 Flash while cutting some Pro workloads' token prices by more than 70%.

Dynamic digital data streams, one vibrant and fast, overtakes another in a sleek server room, symbolizing an upgrade and enhanced performance.

DeepSeek plans to release V4.1 Flash around September 10th in Beijing and temporarily route every V4 Pro API request to the cheaper model until V4.1 Pro arrives.…

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