What was the old limitation, and what changed?

Previously, users could only send task requests from their phone via the Dispatch feature, but their computer had to be awake and the app open for Claude to work on tasks. Now Cowork can run tasks without an active desktop session.

How much does this cost, and who can use it?

The feature is rolling out as a beta to subscribers of Anthropic's Max plan, which starts at $100 a month, and is expected to trickle down to the Pro tier at $20 a month. It is unclear whether free users will gain access.

What kinds of tasks are people using Cowork for?

Anthropic reports that the two largest categories of recent usage are business process and operations (such as data reports and checklists) and content creation and copywriting (like slide decks and partnership proposals).

Large Language ModelsAI Business & IndustryWIRED AIJul 7, 2026Jul 8, 2026, 04:01 JST2 min read

Anthropic's Cowork agent now runs 24/7 on phones, no desktop needed

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Key takeaway

Anthropic has upgraded Claude Cowork so it can run constantly on phones and browsers without a desktop session, letting users automate tasks around the clock.
The company says white-collar workers are increasingly using the agent for business operations and content creation, and the always-on capability may make it more practical for everyday professional workflows.

3 Key Points

What happened
Anthropic announced that Claude Cowork, its AI agent for digital tasks, can now run continuously on smartphones and web browsers without requiring an active desktop connection. Previously, users had to keep their laptops open to use the agent; the update removes that requirement.
Why it matters
White-collar workers increasingly use Cowork for business operations like data reports and content creation. The ability to run tasks overnight or while away from a desk—such as gathering meeting prep materials automatically—could reshape how professionals handle routine digital work.
What to watch
The feature is rolling out as a beta to Max plan subscribers ($100 a month) first, then to the cheaper Pro tier ($20 a month). It remains unclear whether free users will eventually gain access.

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Context & Analysis

Anthropic's move reflects a broader Silicon Valley shift toward always-running, semiautonomous AI agents controlled via text or chat. The trend was sparked by OpenClaw, a homebrew agent that went viral at the beginning of 2026, prompting OpenAI and Google to launch their own versions—Codex and Spark, respectively—in the first half of the year. Anthropic had already found success with Claude Code, an agent that helped developers automate tasks; Cowork adapts that same model for non-technical users, embedding agentic capabilities directly into the chatbot interface millions already use on their phones.

The strategic stakes are high: both OpenAI and Anthropic are betting that agentic automation will become central to how ordinary users interact with their devices, not just for engineers or developers. By integrating agents into existing smartphone-centric chat experiences rather than launching stand-alone tools, these companies are trying to make automated task-running as routine and accessible as messaging. Anthropic's decision to eliminate the desktop-dependency requirement is a practical step toward that vision—users no longer need to remember to leave their laptop running overnight or stay tethered to their desk to delegate work to the agent.

FAQ

What was the old limitation, and what changed?: Previously, users could only send task requests from their phone via the Dispatch feature, but their computer had to be awake and the app open for Claude to work on tasks. Now Cowork can run tasks without an active desktop session.
How much does this cost, and who can use it?: The feature is rolling out as a beta to subscribers of Anthropic's Max plan, which starts at $100 a month, and is expected to trickle down to the Pro tier at $20 a month. It is unclear whether free users will gain access.
What kinds of tasks are people using Cowork for?: Anthropic reports that the two largest categories of recent usage are business process and operations (such as data reports and checklists) and content creation and copywriting (like slide decks and partnership proposals).

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