Anthropic Ends OpenClaw Support for Claude Subscribers
Anthropic has announced that it will discontinue support for the AI platform OpenClaw for its Claude subscribers, effective Saturday at 12 p.m. PT. This decision comes as the company manages increasing demand for its chatbot technology.
New Subscription Model for Claude
Boris Cherny, head of Claude Code, shared the news on social media, emphasizing a shift toward new payment options. Users will now be required to purchase discounted “extra usage bundles” associated with their Claude accounts. Alternatively, they can access a separate Claude API key through Anthropic’s developer platform.
Reasons Behind the Change
The decision was largely influenced by the substantial compute demand from Claude users. Recently, Claude reached remarkable popularity, briefly ranking as the top app in the US Apple App Store in March. Due to the increase in users, Anthropic adjusted usage limits for subscribers last week.
- Current subscribers will no longer have access to third-party tools, including OpenClaw.
- New usage bundles are required for continued access to AI functionalities.
- Anthropic prioritizes resources for its products and API due to high demand.
Implications for OpenClaw Users
OpenClaw, a platform designed for personal AI assistants, allows users to automate tasks across various applications. Its recent rise in popularity has fueled discussions about AI utilization in daily workflows. Peter Steinberger, creator of OpenClaw, has expressed concerns regarding the impact of this decision on users who prefer the integration with Claude.
He noted that many subscribers initially chose Claude for its compatibility with OpenClaw. Steinberger, along with board member Dave Morin, sought to negotiate with Anthropic before the announcement, believing a reconciliation could benefit all parties involved.
Broader Context in AI Tools Regulation
Anthropic is not the only tech company addressing the usage of third-party tools. Google took similar measures recently against Gemini CLI users for violating terms of service. Though their approach was framed differently, both companies are tightening controls over third-party integrations.
This development marks an important shift in the landscape of AI applications, signaling how companies are adapting to rapidly changing demands for technology and user compatibility.
