Anthropic announced a new feature on Monday that will allow Claude users to use interactive apps within the chatbot interface.
The launch apps mostly involve tools used in the workplace, including Slack, Canva, Figma, Box, and Clay, with a Salesforce implementation expected soon. The app will enable users to send Slack messages, generate charts, or access cloud files, depending on which appsaree enabled.
“Analyzing data, designing content, and managing projects all work better with a dedicated visual interface,” Anthropic said in a blog post announcing the feature. “Combined with Claude’s intelligence, you can work and iterate faster than either could offer alone.”
The new feature is available to Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise subscribers, but not free users. Eligible users can activate the tools at claude.ai/directory.
The system enabled is similar to OpenAI’s Apps system, which launched in October and enables interactive third-party tools. Model Context Protocol is an open standard introduced by Anthropic in 2024. MCP launched app support in November, drawing on work from both companies.
The new apps will be powerful when integrated with Claude Cowork, an all-purpose tool launched by Claude.
Cowork lets users assign multistage tasks that draw on extensive, open-ended datasets, functions that previously required terminal commands.
Apps are not available at launch in Cowork, but Anthropic said the integration would be “coming soon.”
“Be cautious about granting access to sensitive information like financial documents, credentials, or personal records,” the company recommends. “Consider creating a dedicated working folder for Claude rather than granting broad access.”
