OpenAI Introduces Flex API, Budget-Friendly AI

OpenAI has released a new feature called Flex API that helps users spend less when using artificial intelligence. This option is perfect for tasks that don’t need fast answers, such as organizing data or background processing.

What Is Flex API and How Does It Work?

Flex API is designed to provide cheaper access to OpenAI’s models. The trade-off is slower response times and occasional delays. It’s best for jobs that don’t need instant results but still require powerful AI capabilities.

Flex API Currently in Beta Mode

The new Flex feature is now in beta testing, meaning users can start using it and give feedback. It supports two AI models:

1. o3 model
2. o4-mini model

This is especially useful for companies or developers dealing with large volumes of data.

Major Discounts on Token Pricing

One of the biggest benefits of the Flex API is the lower cost. OpenAI has reduced token prices by 50%, helping users save more.

New Pricing for Flex Users:

For the o3 model:

1. $5 per million input tokens
2. $20 per million output tokens

For the o4-mini model:

1. $0.55 per million input tokens (was $1.10)
2. $2.20 per million output tokens (was $4.40)

These rates are ideal for budget-conscious developers working on large-scale projects.

Competing with Cheaper AI Models in the Market

OpenAI’s Flex API arrives as tech giants like Google are also launching low-cost AI tools. Google’s Gemini 2.5 Flash is one example of a fast and affordable AI service. OpenAI’s Flex is meant to compete in this growing space of budget-friendly AI solutions.

Who Should Use Flex API?

The Flex API is best for tasks that don’t need real-time results. It’s ideal for:

1. Data labeling
2. Filtering content
3. Handling large batches of information
4. Other background tasks

If your work can wait a bit longer but needs to stay low-cost, Flex API is a smart choice.

Flex API Is All About Efficiency and Savings

With Flex API, OpenAI is giving users more control over how they spend on AI. If you don’t need lightning-fast results but still want strong AI tools, Flex is a great way to cut costs and stay efficient.