Anthropic has announced Claude Duet, a new app where Claude works as a proactive agent. The company introduced the app in a post on X, saying it can identify tasks that need attention, complete assigned work and continue working when users step away. Unlike a regular chatbot, Claude Duet can work across connected apps and provide updates without waiting for users to ask. It can also draft emails, organise tasks and prepare files for review. It also asks for approval before taking important actions, such as sending emails, making payments or signing documents. However, Claude Duet is currently available as a research preview for select users.
Anthropic describes Claude Duet as a “proactive agent that understands what needs your attention. It takes on tasks of all sizes, keeps working while you’re away, and waits for your ok when it matters.”
Claude Duet works with a user’s existing Claude account. It can access the memory, skills and app connections already set up in the account. It also runs on its own computer in the cloud, so it can keep working even after the app is closed.
“Each morning, it looks across your email and calendar, picks what most needs your attention, and can start the first steps, like drafting replies for you to review. Through the day, it sends updates on the work it’s doing and follows up on threads that have gone quiet,” Anthropic claimed.
For larger tasks, the app can create files such as research reports, financial models, presentations and dashboards. Users can review and edit these outputs. For sites that don’t have a connector, Claude Duet uses its own browser in the cloud.
Anthropic says Claude Duet is designed to ask for permission before consequential actions. The company also warns that the AI can make mistakes, so users should check its drafts and approval requests before proceeding.
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We’re opening a research preview of Claude Duet, a new app where Claude works as a proactive agent. It comes to you with what needs your attention, completes tasks you ask of it, keeps working when you step away, and checks with you before it acts on your behalf. https://t.co/kt8gAbWuX8
— Claude (@claudeai) October 21, 2026
Claude Duet is currently available through a waitlist to users with Claude Pro or Max plans in the US. Users must have a Claude account in the country and receive an invitation to access the app.
To join the waitlist, users need to visit the Claude Duet product page, select “Join the waitlist” and submit the required details.
Do note that Anthropic is inviting users in stages, so joining the waitlist does not mean immediate access.
Claude Duet currently runs on Claude Opus 5.5 and does not let users choose a different model. It cannot make phone calls or send text messages to other people, although it can send emails with approval. Microsoft 365 support is also unavailable at present.
The app cannot access every project or file stored on a user’s computer. Users also cannot watch its browser activity or take control of the browser while it works.
Some actions are off-limits even with users’ approval, such as trading securities, moving money between accounts, or accessing someone else’s account.