DeepSeek Releases V4.1-Flash-1017 Model and Opens Search API: what are the key facts?

DeepSeek released the new model V4.1-Flash-1017, with simultaneous updates across its web, app, and API.

DeepSeek Releases V4.1-Flash-1017 Model and Opens Search API: what are the key facts?

The new model improved scores on benchmarks such as coding and agent tasks.

DeepSeek Releases V4.1-Flash-1017 Model and Opens Search API: what are the key facts?

While boosting performance, the model also shortened task runtime and output length.

DeepSeek Releases V4.1-Flash-1017 Model and Opens Search API: what are the key facts?

DeepSeek launched two in-house search API endpoints: Search and Fetch.

DeepSeek Releases V4.1-Flash-1017 Model and Opens Search API: what are the key facts?

Users logging into Harness for the first time can claim a 6 yuan credit, valid for 7 days.

Physix Frontier · News Briefing Card (enbrief · Oct 18, 2026)

DeepSeek Releases V4.1-Flash-1017 Model and Opens Search API

KEY FACTS

DeepSeek released the new model V4.1-Flash-1017, with simultaneous updates across its web, app, and API.
The new model improved scores on benchmarks such as coding and agent tasks.
While boosting performance, the model also shortened task runtime and output length.
DeepSeek launched two in-house search API endpoints: Search and Fetch.
Users logging into Harness for the first time can claim a 6 yuan credit, valid for 7 days.

KEY DATA

5 yuanSearch API price per thousand successful requests

half a centSearch API price per use

6 yuanNew user credit

November 1Search API free deadline

PHYSIX OBSERVATION

DeepSeek this time pushed down both performance and cost at once, delivering real cost savings for developers. The search API bills per successful request and is free for a limited time, clearly aiming to seize the entry point of the agent toolchain. The signal is clear: the price war has moved from model inference to supporting tools, and small and medium-sized teams will benefit first.

Source: enbrief original report ↗