Is Claude Code going to cost $100/month? Probably not–it's all confusing (simonwillison.net)

Anthropic has stirred confusion in the AI community by attempting to update the pricing for its coding assistant, Claude Code, to a higher tier, with reports suggesting it might shift from the $20/month Pro plan to exclusive availability on $100/month and $200/month Max plans. This update was made without an official announcement, leading to widespread concern among existing users about potential accessibility issues. Though Anthropic's Head of Growth mentioned this change was part of a small test affecting only 2% of new signups, the pricing information quickly reverted, suggesting the company's strategy may not have been well-received. This pricing uncertainty is significant for the AI/ML community, as it raises questions about accessibility and trust. For many users, particularly outside wealthy regions, a jump from $20 to $100 per month could limit their ability to use Claude Code, prompting users to consider alternatives like OpenAI's Codex, which remains more affordable. The swift reversal of the change indicates Anthropic's recognition of the backlash, but it highlights the importance of clear communication and the potential risks associated with pricing tests. As the landscape of coding tools evolves, how companies engage with their communities may ultimately influence user loyalty and the growth of AI applications.