Claude Code now reads AGENTS.md if there is no Claude.md (code.claude.com)

Claude Code has introduced support for reading AGENTS.md in the absence of a CLAUDE.md file, a significant update for developers using the platform. This change, implemented on September 18, 2026, allows users to define project instructions more flexibly, enhancing usability in environments where CLAUDE.md is not available. The update is not yet available on key platforms such as Bedrock, Vertex, or Foundry, which may limit its initial impact. In addition to AGENTS.md support, several improvements and fixes were made, including enhancements for Claude app gateways, better error reporting during plugin installations, and numerous bug fixes that improve session stability and user experience. Notable technical adjustments include the introduction of an optional headers map for upstream communication with proxies and the elimination of session hang-ups due to internal errors. These updates highlight ongoing efforts to refine the tool's reliability and ease of use, reflecting the AI/ML community's demands for more robust and flexible development environments.