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answer: direct
beat: ai
source: 1 article · updated: October 21, 2026
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When is the 12-hour cache likely to be worthwhile?

It is most promising when a long, stable prefix is reused after gaps longer than the default 30-minute lifetime. Compare the more expensive cache write with observed cache reads, total input cost and latency before enabling it broadly.

Answered in

OpenAI’s 12-Hour Prompt Cache Trades Cheaper Reuse for a Pricier Write

OpenAI adds a 12-hour cache option to Responses API. Learn when the higher write charge can pay back and what to measure.

Crashtech Editorial October 21, 2026 Ai

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