At a Glance
- Claude now supports a suite of interactive workplace apps.
- The feature is available to paid subscribers and integrates with services like Slack, Canva, and Box.
- An all-purpose agent tool, Claude Cowork, will soon be able to use these apps.
- The move follows OpenAI’s similar app system and uses Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol.
Claude users will now be able to call up interactive apps within the chatbot interface, thanks to a new feature announced by Anthropic on Monday.
New App Integration Feature
The launch brings a set of apps that run inside Claude’s chat window. Each app provides a logged-in instance of a third-party service, letting users send Slack messages, generate charts in Canva, or pull files from Box. The integration is built on Anthropic’s Model Context Protocol, a standard that both Anthropic and OpenAI adopted in 2024.
Enterprise-Focused App List
The apps that are available at launch reflect Anthropic’s focus on business use cases. They include:
- Slack – send messages and manage conversations.
- Canva – create and edit visual content.
- Figma – design and prototype user interfaces.
- Box – access cloud-stored files.
- Clay – a collaborative note-taking tool.
Salesforce integration is slated for a future release, and other workplace tools may follow.
Availability and Activation
The feature is rolled out to Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise subscribers. Free users do not have access. Eligible users can activate the apps by visiting claude.ai/directory, where a simple toggle enables each service.
Comparison to OpenAI’s Apps System
OpenAI launched its own Apps system in October, offering a similar ability to call third-party tools. Both systems rely on the Model Context Protocol, which was introduced by Anthropic in 2024 and received app support in November. The two platforms share a common technical foundation but differ in the specific apps and user base.
Claude Cowork and Future Integration
Claude Cowork, Anthropic’s all-purpose agent tool, debuted last week. Built on top of Claude Code, Cowork lets users assign multi-stage tasks that would normally require terminal commands. When combined with the new apps feature, Cowork could access cloud files or ongoing work projects. For example, a user could ask Cowork to update a marketing graphic in Figma or pull fresh data from a Box instance.
At launch, Cowork does not yet support the apps, but Anthropic said the integration would be coming soon. The company plans to enable Cowork to interact with the same suite of workplace tools that Claude users can now access.
Safety and Permissions
Agentic systems can behave unpredictably. Anthropic’s safety documentation for Cowork urges users to monitor the agent closely and avoid granting unnecessary permissions. The company advises:
- Be cautious about granting access to sensitive information such as financial documents, credentials, or personal records.
- Consider creating a dedicated working folder for Claude rather than providing broad access.
These guidelines help prevent accidental data leaks while still allowing productive use of the new app integrations.
Key Takeaways
- Claude’s new app feature expands its utility for business users.
- The launch includes popular workplace tools and will soon add Salesforce.
- The integration relies on the Model Context Protocol, shared with OpenAI’s system.
- Claude Cowork will soon be able to leverage these apps for more complex workflows.
- Safety best practices emphasize careful permission management.
The update marks a significant step toward making Claude a central hub for enterprise productivity, blending conversational AI with direct access to the tools teams already use.
