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Anthropic Puts Claude Code Computer Use in the Background on macOS

September 2, 2026 at 15:08 EDT

AI Agents
Software Dev & Coding

Anthropic has updated the Claude Code desktop app so its computer-use capability can operate in the background while users continue working. The beta is available to Pro and Max subscribers on macOS, with users required to approve access to the applications Claude controls.

Product update · Anthropic

Claude Code works in the background

Approved desktop apps can now be controlled while the user continues working. The beta is limited to Pro and Max subscribers on macOS.

Three levels of app access

View only

Click only

Full control

The access ladder scales from seeing an app to operating it.

How it works

Claude uses connectors or dedicated tools first, then turns to screen interaction when those options are unavailable.

What to watch

Complex tasks may need another attempt, and screenshots can expose information visible in approved apps.

Operating boundary

The computer must stay awake, and the Claude Desktop app must remain open.

Useful for

Native apps, internal dashboards, mobile simulators, and tools without a command-line interface.

Use cautiously

Financial, healthcare, government, legal, and other workflows containing sensitive information.

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