AI BriefingAnthropic Ends Subscription-Based Usage Support for OpenClaw
Key point
Anthropic has decided to apply separate pay-as-you-go billing instead of the existing subscription model when using third-party tools such as OpenClaw.
Details
Anthropic announced that existing Claude subscription limits cannot be applied when using third-party tools (harnesses) including OpenClaw. As a result, users of these tools will need to use the pay-as-you-go option, which charges based on usage separately from subscription fees.
This policy will start with OpenClaw and is expected to expand to all third-party tools. Anthropic's Boris Cherny explained that the existing subscription model was not designed to handle the usage patterns of these third-party tools, and that deliberate management is needed for long-term sustainability.
This decision has become controversial as it coincides with OpenClaw developer Peter Steinberger moving to OpenAI and OpenClaw transitioning to open source. Steinberger criticized Anthropic for cloning popular features and then blocking open source.
On the other hand, Anthropic emphasized that this measure is due to engineering constraints rather than hostility toward open source, and stated that it is offering full refunds to subscribers.
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