Key Points
- Anthropic released Claude Opus 4.6, an upgrade focused on coding and complex app tasks.
- The model uses step‑by‑step reasoning, planning, and self‑verification.
- Opus 4.6 can make multiple attempts on a task without user prompts.
- Users can lower the default “high” effort setting to reduce excess processing.
- Available on Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise plans; Pro costs $20/month ($17 annually).
- Usage limits on the Pro tier may be reached after several hours of coding.
- Smaller models Sonnet 4.5 and Haiku 4.5 remain part of Anthropic’s lineup.
Claude Opus 4.6 Introduced
Anthropic released a new version of its flagship Claude model, called Claude Opus 4.6. The company highlighted that the upgrade improves coding performance and streamlines project creation on the first attempt. The predecessor, Claude Opus 4.5, had already been recognized for its strong coding abilities after its launch in November.
Enhanced Reasoning and Self‑Verification
Opus 4.6 is described as a reasoning model that breaks down tasks into discrete steps, formulates a plan, and then executes the plan. It also revisits its work, checking each step and, if needed, making multiple attempts without user intervention. This iterative approach aims to solve the most challenging aspects of complex applications while completing simpler steps more quickly.
Adjustable Effort Levels
Anthropic noted that the model sometimes expends excessive effort on a task. Users can reduce the default “high” effort setting to curb this behavior.
Availability and Pricing
The upgraded model is accessible to subscribers on Anthropic’s Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise plans. The Pro plan costs $20 per month, or $17 per month when billed annually, and includes usage limits that may be reached after several hours of intensive coding, after which users must wait for limits to reset.
Other Model Options
In addition to the Opus series, Anthropic continues to offer smaller, less powerful models named Sonnet 4.5 and Haiku 4.5, providing a range of options for different user needs.
Source: cnet.com