Claude users will now be able to call interactive applications in the chatbot interface, thanks to a new feature announced by Anthropic on Monday.
In keeping with Anthropic’s corporate focus, the launch apps are mostly workplace tools, including Slack, Canva, Figma, Box, and Clay, with Salesforce implementations expected soon. In each case, the application will activate an instance of the service that Claude can access, allowing the user to send Slack messages, create graphs, or access cloud files, depending on which application has been activated.
“Analyzing data, planning content, and managing projects are all better with a custom visual interface,” Anthropic said in a blog post announcing the feature. “Combined with Claude’s intelligence, you can work and play faster than either can offer alone.”
The new feature is available to Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise customers, but not free users. Eligible users can activate the tool at claude.ai/directory.
The system is similar to the OpenAI Application system, ie opened in October and also enable interactive third-party devices. Both application integration systems are built on the Context Protocol Model, an open standard introduced by Anthropic in 2024. MCP launched support for the app in Novemberdrawing on the work of two companies.
New applications will be more powerful when combined with Claude Coworka versatile agent tool launched by Anthropic last week. Built on top of Code Claude, Cowork allows users to define multi-stage tasks that draw large datasets and run them – tasks that previously required terminal commands. Combined with new app features, Cowork can be given access to cloud files or ongoing work projects. For example, Cowork can update marketing graphics in Figma or use new data from the company’s Box instance.
Apps aren’t available on Cowork at launch, but Anthropic says the integration is coming “soon.”
Agent systems can be unpredictable, and Anthropic’s own safety documentation for Cowork encourages users to monitor these agents closely and not grant unnecessary permissions.
“Be careful about giving access to sensitive information like financial documents, credentials, or personal records,” the company advises. “Try making a special work folder for Claude instead of giving him broad access.”