Anthropic now requires Pro Plans to enable/purchase extra usage for Opus (support.claude.com)

Anthropic has announced that users will now need a Pro Plan to access additional usage of its Opus model through Claude Code. This change marks a shift in how users interact with different models within the Claude platform, introducing streamlined methods for switching between various AI models—such as Opus and Sonnet—directly from the command line. The platform accommodates several versions, including Opus 4.7 and Sonnet 4.6, with simple command options for temporary or permanent changes to the model in use. This development is significant for the AI/ML community as it indicates Anthropic's focus on enhancing user control and accessibility over its AI models. The changes introduce greater flexibility for developers and researchers looking to optimize their AI applications by allowing easy model switching during coding sessions. By requiring a Pro Plan for extra usage, Anthropic positions itself to offer premium features while encouraging users to fully explore different model capabilities according to their computational needs.