Anthropic Launches Claude Duet, a Proactive AI Agent App for Professionals

Anthropic launched Claude Duet on October 21, 2026, a proactive AI agent app designed for professionals and small business owners. Unlike standard chatbots that wait for user input, Duet monitors connected applications every few hours, identifies tasks that need attention, and performs work in the background.

The app is built on the Claude Opus 5.5 model and operates within a dedicated cloud-based virtual machine equipped with a browser. This allows it to continue processing tasks even after a user closes their mobile app or desktop browser.

Key features include daily briefings that summarize important tasks and updates, and support for over 6,000 connectors and plug-ins through the Claude Marketplace. Supported services include Gmail, Slack, HubSpot, QuickBooks, and DocuSign.

Anthropic has built several safety guardrails into the app. For consequential actions such as sending messages, signing documents, making payments, or deleting files, Duet must present the intended action to the user and receive explicit approval before proceeding. The agent is prohibited from moving money between accounts or trading securities, even if authorized by the user. A dedicated classifier checks messages to prevent leaks of sensitive data.

Claude Duet competes directly with Meta's Muse, which reached over 10 million users in its first six weeks, and OpenAI's Dots. Anthropic emphasizes a business-centric design focused on professional workflows and structured human-in-the-loop approval processes.

Access is currently limited to a research preview via a waitlist for Claude Pro and Max subscribers in the United States. There is no separate fee for Duet; it draws from the user's existing monthly usage allowance.