- Updated: April 4, 2026
- 5 min read
Anthropic Removes OpenClaw from Claude Subscription Limits Starting April 4
Anthropic will no longer include third‑party tools such as OpenClaw under Claude subscription limits starting April 4, meaning users must pay extra or use discounted usage bundles. Skip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIPolicyHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonThe VergeThe Verge logo.Anthropic essentially bans OpenClaw from Claude by making subscribers pay extraAICloseAIPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All AINewsCloseNewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NewsAnthropicCloseAnthropicPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All AnthropicAnthropic essentially bans OpenClaw from Claude by making subscribers pay extraClaude subscriptions will no longer cover third-party access from tools like OpenClaw starting Saturday, April 4th.Claude subscriptions will no longer cover third-party access from tools like OpenClaw starting Saturday, April 4th.by Jay PetersCloseJay PetersSenior ReporterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Jay PetersApr 3, 2026, 11:52 PM UTCLinkShareGiftImage: The VergePart OfFriday news dumps: all the news companies hoped you wouldn’t noticesee all updates Jay PetersCloseJay PetersPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Jay Peters is a senior reporter covering technology, gaming, and more. He joined The Verge in 2019 after nearly two years at Techmeme.Using OpenClaw with Claude AI is about to get a lot more expensive, thanks to Anthropic’s new policy changes. Beginning April 4th at 3PM ET, users will “no longer be able to use your Claude subscription limits for third-party harnesses including OpenClaw,” according to an email sent to users on Friday evening. Instead, if users want to use OpenClaw with Claude, they’ll have to use a “pay-as-you-go option” that will be billed separate from their Claude subscription.With OpenClaw creator Peter Steinberger now employed by OpenAI, Anthropic may also be encouraging subscribers to use more of its own tools, like Claude Cowork, instead. Steinberger says that he and OpenClaw board member Dave Morin “tried to talk sense into Anthropic, best we managed was delaying this for a week.”According to Anthropic Claude Code exec Boris Cherny:Starting tomorrow at 12pm PT, Claude subscriptions will no longer cover usage on third-party tools like OpenClaw.You can still use these tools with your Claude login via extra usage bundles (now available at a discount), or with a Claude API key.We’ve been working hard to meet the increase in demand for Claude, and our subscriptions weren’t built for the usage patterns of these third-party tools. Capacity is a resource we manage thoughtfully and we are prioritizing our customers using our products and API.Subscribers get a one-time credit equal to your monthly plan cost.If you need more, you can now buy discounted usage bundles. To request a full refund, look for a link in your email tomorrow.We want to be intentional in managing our growth to continue to serve our customers sustainably long-term. This change is a step toward that.Anthropic didn’t immediately reply to a request for comment from The Verge.OpenClaw exploded in popularity earlier this year after users said the AI agent could efficiently do things like manage inboxes, calendars, and even check in to flights. But it’s also apparently putting a strain on Anthropic’s infrastructure. Anthropic is giving subscribers “a one-time credit equal to your monthly plan cost” after these changes, Cherny says.Follow topics and authors from this story to see more like this in your personalized homepage feed and to receive email updates.Jay PetersCloseJay PetersSenior ReporterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Jay PetersAICloseAIPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All AIAnthropicCloseAnthropicPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All AnthropicNewsCloseNewsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All NewsMore in: Friday news dumps: all the news companies hoped you wouldn’t noticeAn Okta login bug bypassed checking passwords on some long usernamesRichard LawlerNov 2, 2024Boeing is cutting 10 percent of its workforceJay PetersOct 11, 2024Data breach leaks SSNs of over 230,000 Comcast customersEmma RothOct 7, 2024Most PopularMost PopularReddit is moving on from r/allThe ABS Challenge System is exposing the worst umpire in baseballAO3 is finally out of beta after 17 yearsDespite EV headwinds, Rivian’s sales are upElon Musk is about to be a very busy boy!The Verge DailyA free daily digest of the news that matters most.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. 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