Anthropic’s Claude Cowork, originally limited to desktop use, now supports web and mobile platforms, enabling AI tasks to run uninterrupted even when a laptop is closed. This update starts rolling out to Max plan subscribers with broader availability soon.
- Claude Cowork now operates on web and mobile platforms.
- Tasks continue running in the cloud after laptop closure.
- Over 90% of usage is for non-coding business tasks.
What happened
Anthropic has extended the functionality of its AI assistant Claude Cowork beyond its original desktop-only environment to include web and mobile access. Previously, users had to keep their desktops active for AI tasks to continue processing, but now tasks can run uninterrupted in the cloud. This change means users are no longer tied to their laptops and can engage with ongoing AI tasks from any device.
Max plan subscribers are the first to receive beta access to the new web and mobile capabilities, with plans to extend availability to other subscription tiers shortly. Claude Cowork can still access and manage a user’s files, inbox, calendar, and connected tools, but critically, it no longer requires the laptop to remain open for the AI to function.
Why it matters
The update addresses a key limitation that hindered the practical use of Claude Cowork for long-running or scheduled tasks by preventing the AI from working when laptops were closed. The shift to cloud-based task execution vastly improves usability, allowing professionals to delegate repetitive or complex workflows without needing to stay chained to their desktops.
Moreover, Anthropic revealed that the majority of Claude Cowork’s usage—over 90%—is not in software development but in everyday business operations and content creation. This underscores a growing mainstream adoption of AI workflow assistants by non-technical users overwhelmed by routine work such as managing emails, spreadsheets, and presentations.
What to watch next
As web and mobile access rolls out to more users, it will be important to track how adoption patterns evolve, especially among business professionals versus developers. The increased accessibility might accelerate the shift of routine tasks to AI assistants like Claude, potentially driving demand for further integration with popular enterprise tools and productivity suites.
Additionally, user feedback on real-world usage and the handling of privacy and control—Claude requests user input before executing decisions—will shape future enhancements. Watching how Anthropic balances automation with user oversight could provide insight into broader AI assistant trends and trust frameworks.