# **DeepSeek V3: The Next-Generation AI Model and How to Access It**
## **Introduction**
DeepSeek, an emerging player in the field of artificial intelligence, has discreetly rolled out its newest AI model, DeepSeek V3. This state-of-the-art chatbot is anticipated to establish new standards in AI performance, potentially competing with dominant models such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT. However, gaining access to DeepSeek V3 might prove to be less straightforward than earlier versions. In this article, we will delve into the features of DeepSeek V3, how it stacks up against its predecessors, and the various ways you can experience it.
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## **What is DeepSeek V3?**
DeepSeek V3 represents the latest AI offering from DeepSeek, a Chinese AI firm that has garnered attention for its development of high-performance AI models, even under stringent hardware restrictions. The company has previously introduced DeepSeek V1 and DeepSeek R1, which held their own against OpenAI’s ChatGPT models.
DeepSeek V3 is expected to provide the groundwork for the forthcoming DeepSeek R2 reasoning model, potentially challenging OpenAI’s GPT-5. However, due to a lack of significant public announcements regarding V3, it remains challenging to ascertain methods of access and utilization for the model.
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## **How to Access DeepSeek V3**
In contrast to OpenAI, Google, and other AI companies that often announce new features, DeepSeek has adopted a more subdued approach with V3. Here are some methods to access the model:
### **1. Downloading from Hugging Face**
DeepSeek V3 can be accessed on [Hugging Face](https://huggingface.co/deepseek-ai/), a well-known platform for AI models. However, downloading and implementing the model necessitates considerable computing resources. The complete DeepSeek V3 model is 641GB, making it impractical for most users lacking high-end hardware.
### **2. Using OpenRouter**
For those who wish to avoid downloading the substantial model, [OpenRouter](https://openrouter.ai/) offers free API access to DeepSeek V3. This includes a straightforward chat interface, enabling users to explore the model without requiring extensive technical expertise.
### **3. DeepSeek Web App**
DeepSeek features a [web-based AI chatbot](https://www.deepseek.com/) comparable to ChatGPT. While the company has not clearly indicated that the web version operates on DeepSeek V3, it is probable that the latest model is behind the chatbot. However, users should exercise caution regarding privacy issues, as all data processed via DeepSeek’s web app is transmitted to China.
### **4. DeepSeek Mobile App**
DeepSeek has recently updated its [iPhone app](https://apps.apple.com/us/app/deepseek-ai-assistant/id6737597349) to include references to DeepSeek V3. The app’s description claims that the model boasts over 600 billion parameters and rivals top-tier international AI models. However, like the web version, the mobile app may raise concerns regarding censorship and privacy.
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## **Performance and Capabilities**
Initial reports indicate that DeepSeek V3 signifies a substantial improvement over its predecessors. Some AI researchers assert that it surpasses OpenAI’s Sonnet 3.5 model in various evaluations. Furthermore, DeepSeek V3 is said to function on consumer-grade hardware, such as the M3 Ultra Mac Studio, which has a price tag of around $9,500.
A researcher on X (formerly Twitter) mentioned:
*”I tested the new DeepSeek V3 on my internal benchmarks, and it shows a massive leap across all metrics on every test. It has now become the best non-reasoning model, dethroning Sonnet 3.5.”*
This points to DeepSeek V3 not only being powerful but also optimized for performance, establishing it as a formidable competitor in the AI sector.
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## **What’s Next? DeepSeek R2 and the Future of AI**
DeepSeek V3 is anticipated to act as the foundation for DeepSeek R2, the company’s next reasoning model. Should DeepSeek R2 enhance V3’s capabilities, it could directly contend with OpenAI’s upcoming GPT-5.
Recently, OpenAI released GPT-4.5 in preview mode, but access necessitates a subscription. The company has also hinted at a GPT-5 launch in spring 2025. It remains uncertain whether DeepSeek R2 will match or exceed OpenAI’s latest innovations.
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## **Privacy and Security Concerns**
Although DeepSeek V3 is an impressive AI model, users must remain cognizant of potential privacy concerns. Unlike OpenAI and Google, which comply with U.S. and European data protection laws, DeepSeek operates out of China. Consequently, any data processed through DeepSeek’s web or mobile apps is subject to Chinese regulations, which may not provide the same standard of privacy protection.
For users who prioritize data security, downloading and executing DeepSeek V3 locally (via Hug
