Anthropic is expanding Claude Cowork beyond the desktop, launching the AI agent on iOS, Android, and web starting Tuesday. The agent can now continue working on tasks in the background and notify users via phone when decisions are needed.
Claude Cowork, Anthropic's AI agent designed to handle multi-step tasks autonomously, is now accessible across mobile and web platforms for the first time. Previously confined to the macOS and Windows desktop app, the expansion marks a significant step toward smartphone-controlled AI agents.
The rollout begins with Claude Max subscribers on Tuesday, with broader availability coming to other Claude users in the following weeks. The mobile and web versions allow the agent to persist in the background, continuing work even after users close their applications. When the agent requires user input or approval, it sends notifications to users' phones.
Anthropics notes that while mobile and web access is now available, the desktop app will remain the primary platform for the "full experience," housing more advanced features. This tiered approach balances accessibility with performance optimization.
The move blurs distinctions between Claude's Chat and Cowork interfaces, integrating agent capabilities more deeply into the broader Claude ecosystem. Users can now initiate tasks on desktop and monitor progress across devices.
The expansion reflects broader industry trends toward autonomous AI agents that operate beyond traditional chat interfaces. Unlike earlier chatbot models requiring constant user interaction, agents like Cowork can manage workflows independently and escalate matters requiring human judgment.
Anthropics expansion arrives as competitors intensify focus on AI agents. The market for autonomous AI systems continues accelerating, with companies emphasizing the ability to deploy agents across multiple platforms and devices for seamless task management.
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