The era of asking questions in AI chat is coming to an end.
In the AI industry, new services called “AI agents” are emerging one after another.
In July 2026, Anthropic announced that Claude Cowork, an AI agent service, would be available on web browsers and smartphones.
Previously, Claude Cowork was only available as a desktop app, but with this update, we're creating an environment where you can delegate tasks to AI regardless of location or device.
Following OpenAI's "ChatGPT Work", Anthropic has also embarked on a full-fledged AI agent competition.
What is Claude Cowork?
Claude Cowork is an AI agent developed by Anthropic.
The difference with common chat AIs is that it is not about answering questions.
When a user requests work, Claude uses multiple tools and services to work autonomously until the task is completed.
For example:
- Check your email
- Browse calendars
- Collect information on the web
- Organize your files
- Create presentation materials
Multiple processes, such as, can be executed as a single flow.
Available on web and smartphone
The big news is that Claude Cowork is now available not only on desktops, but also on web browsers and smartphones.
For example, you can request a job on your company computer and check the progress from your smartphone even if you go out as it is.
In addition, the process is executed on the cloud, so work continues even if the computer is powered off.
Until now, AI has been “a tool to be used only while it is open.”
But Claude Cowork has evolved to work while users are away.
What kind of work do you actually delegate?
According to data published by Anthropic, the most popular use of Claude Cowork was not for programming.
The majority of trips are
- Creation of business materials
- Organize contracts
- Expense management
- Creating customer-facing materials
- Publishing
It is said that it was a daily office work.
According to the company, more than 90% of usage sessions were for non-software development purposes.
AI agents aren't just for engineers, they're starting to expand into a wide range of roles, including sales, clerical, and marketing.
Difference from ChatGPT Work
Currently, Anthropic and OpenAI compete fiercely in the AI agent market.
OpenAI's ChatGPT Work also shares the same direction of "AI that delegates work".
Claude Cowork, on the other hand,
“Workmates who work quietly behind the scenes”
The concept of is even more strongly articulated.
Users simply request tasks, get notified when they need to, and see the final deliverable.
It is a style in which the AI thinks behind the scenes and proceeds with the work.
These ideas are very different from traditional chat AI.
The AI Agent Competition is entering a new phase
Until 2025, performance competition centered on which AIs are the smartest.
But as we enter 2026, the axis of competition has changed dramatically.
Currently,
- How long you can stay at work
- How well you can integrate with other services
- How far can we go without human intervention?
is now important.
Claude Cowork's web and mobile support is another iconic update.
Summary
Claude Cowork is more than just a chat AI.
When you request a job, you are an AI agent who autonomously conducts research, creates materials, organizes information, and so on.
With this update, we now support web browsers and smartphones, so you can delegate work to any location.
Along with OpenAI's ChatGPT Work, the AI industry has shifted from “AI asking questions” to “AI delegating work”.
In the near future, AI may not be a useful tool on your computer, but rather a true “colleague.”
When considering the introduction of AI agents and business automation, Makoto Tejima emphasizes the importance of designing including existing system integration, authority management, and human final checkpoints.
Whether it's automating in-house operations, adding AI capabilities to existing systems, or designing a secure agent, we've got you covered.
