Anthropic Launches Claude Cowork Agent for Smartphones, Ending Laptop Dependency

On Tuesday, Anthropic unveiled its Claude Cowork AI agent for smartphones, eliminating the need for laptops to run digital tasks. This update allows users to manage tasks without keeping their desktops active, enhancing productivity. Previously, users had to keep their devices awake to utilize the agent's capabilities.

Claude Cowork's New Features

The latest version of Claude Cowork can now handle tasks independently, even while users are away from their desktops. For instance, in a demonstration, a user requests assistance in preparing for a business deal renewal. Claude Cowork efficiently compiles information from various sources, such as email threads and Slack channels, to create a reference document and a prewritten email.

This update marks a significant evolution in AI interaction, as it enables users to engage with the agent through the existing Claude smartphone app or a web browser. Previously, the Dispatch feature required a linked desktop session, restricting user flexibility.

The Shift Towards Autonomous AI Agents

This announcement aligns with a broader trend in Silicon Valley, where companies are increasingly focusing on always-on AI agents. Following the success of OpenClaw, an autonomous agent that gained popularity in early 2026, Anthropic aims to make AI assistance more accessible to everyday users. Other tech giants, such as OpenAI and Google, are also developing similar technologies to integrate AI into daily workflows.

In January, the initial launch of Claude Cowork impressed users with its ability to organize files and schedule events autonomously. However, it also raised concerns regarding security risks, such as prompt injections. Despite these challenges, the user experience has improved significantly with this latest update.

Subscription Plans and Future Rollouts

Anthropic plans to roll out the revamped Claude Cowork as a beta feature for subscribers of its Max plan, priced at $100 per month. Following this, features are expected to become available to Pro plan members at $20 per month. The availability for free users remains uncertain, as they currently do not have access to Claude Cowork.

According to Anthropic, white-collar workers are increasingly adopting AI tools as part of their workflows, particularly for tasks involving business processes and content creation. The report highlights the growing significance of AI agents in enhancing productivity across various sectors.

• Claude Cowork available on smartphones and browsers
• Max plan costs $100/month; Pro plan costs $20/month
• Autonomous task handling, no desktop required