Anthropic Releases Claude 4 AI Models with Improved Coding and Reasoning

Anthropic has officially launched Claude 4, the next generation of its powerful AI models. This new release includes Claude Opus 4 and Claude Sonnet 4, which bring notable improvements for tasks like coding, advanced reasoning, and AI agents. These models are designed to handle complex workflows, tackle challenging coding tasks, and provide improved memory capabilities.

Claude Opus 4: Built for Complex Tasks

Claude Opus 4 is positioned as a top-tier model for coding and long-running tasks. The model is capable of handling large-scale, sustained tasks that require high levels of precision and extended focus. It is especially useful for complex codebases, research, and problem-solving scenarios. Opus 4 excels at keeping up performance over hours of work, making it a standout option for developers and researchers who need to stay focused on long-term projects.

Claude Sonnet 4: Improved Performance and Precision

The Claude Sonnet 4 model improves upon the previous Sonnet 3.7, delivering strong performance in coding, reasoning, and efficiency. It offers enhanced steerability, making it a versatile tool for both internal and external use cases. Notable improvements in Sonnet 4 include better precision, reduced navigation errors, and a deeper understanding of complex codebases.

Key Features of Claude 4 Models

Along with the new models, Anthropic is introducing several new features that will be valuable to developers and users working with AI. These include::

• Extended Thinking with Tool Use: Both Opus 4 and Sonnet 4 are capable of using tools—like web search—during extended thinking. This means the models can alternate between reasoning and tool usage, allowing for more refined and accurate responses.
• Improved Memory Capabilities: When given access to local files, Opus 4 can now track and store key facts, enabling it to maintain context and improve task continuity over time. This memory improvement makes the model more efficient for long-running tasks where awareness of previous steps is critical.
• Claude Code Availability: Claude Code is now generally available, making it easier for developers to integrate AI into their workflows. It now supports background tasks through GitHub Actions and integrates with popular IDEs like VS Code and JetBrains, streamlining the development process.
• New API Features: Several new capabilities are being added to the Anthropic API. These include tools like code execution, file management, and caching for prompt responses, which will help developers create more robust AI agents.

Claude 4 models offer a hybrid approach with two modes: near-instant responses for quick tasks and extended thinking for deeper reasoning. Both Opus 4 and Sonnet 4 have demonstrated strong performance across a variety of benchmarks, including coding and agentic tasks. In fact, Opus 4 leads in several benchmarks, including SWE-bench, a popular metric for software engineering tasks, while Sonnet 4 holds a strong position in areas requiring both speed and efficiency.

These updates position Claude 4 as a major improvement in AI models, particularly for developers looking to streamline their workflows and tackle complex problems with AI assistance.

Pricing and Availability

The Claude 4 models are available through Anthropic’s API and can be accessed via platforms like Amazon Bedrock and Google Cloud’s Vertex AI. Pricing for the models remains consistent with previous versions, with Opus 4 priced at $15/$75 per million tokens and Sonnet 4 available at $3/$15 per million tokens for input/output.

For users interested in more advanced features, such as extended thinking or local file memory, these capabilities are available through the higher-tier Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise plans. Sonnet 4 is also available to free-tier users, providing a significant upgrade from the previous Sonnet 3.7.

Learn more about Anthropic’s new Claude 4 releases on their website.

Whether for coding, research, or complex problem-solving tasks, advanced AI models are designed to enhance collaboration and make AI a more seamless part of the development process.

The launch of Claude Code and additional API features improvie the AI’s core capabilities and create tools that enable users to harness that power more effectively in their own workflows.