Anthropic states Pro users can only access Opus models in Claude Code after enabling and purchasing extra usage

Anthropic has implemented a new restriction in Claude Code, limiting access to Opus models exclusively to Pro users who take the extra step of enabling and purchasing additional usage. This update, shared by a Reddit user, marks a departure from previous access policies where Opus models were more readily available to Pro subscribers. The change requires users to navigate settings to opt-in and pay for extra compute resources, effectively creating a two-tier access system within the Pro tier.

Opus models represent Anthropic's most advanced AI capabilities, offering superior performance in complex reasoning, coding, and analysis tasks. By gating this access behind an additional purchase, Anthropic is likely managing computational costs while monetizing high-demand features. For developers and power users relying on Claude Code for intensive workflows, this means budgeting for extra usage fees or potentially downgrading to less capable models. The move reflects a broader industry trend of AI companies tiering access to their most expensive models to balance server costs and user demand.