Why DeepSeek uses dated sub-versions: new major versions need fresh Chinese approval

TheZachMueller · x · 2026-10-18

• Someone asked why DeepSeek keeps appending dates to version numbers (V3-0324, V4.1-Flash-1017) instead of shipping V4.2.
• An informed explanation: under Chinese government regulations, once v4.1 is approved, rolling out dated sub-versions (v4.1-{date}) requires no extra clearance — but releasing a new major version like v4.2 needs a brand-new government approval. Hence DeepSeek's habit of dated suffixes for rolling updates.
• The naming quirk reflects real regulatory cost around major model releases in China.

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