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Anthropicfeature
September 24, 2026·Source

Opus Is the Default Model in Claude Code for Pro and Team Standard

Small update: Claude Code on Pro and Team Standard plans now starts on Opus instead of Sonnet.

Details

  • Shipped in Claude Code version 2.1.282
  • You can still choose a different model from the /model picker

Best for

Getting the stronger model on harder builds without remembering to switch.

When to use it

Nothing to change. New sessions start on Opus unless you pick another model.

Who benefits

Claude Code users on Pro and Team Standard plans, who previously defaulted to Sonnet.

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Opus Is the Default Model in Claude Code for Pro and Team Standard | Anthropic