Anthropic Implements Weekly Rate Limits for Claude Code Users Amid Service Instability
Anthropic introduces weekly rate limits for Claude Code to address excessive usage and service instability among power users.
Key Points
- • Anthropic's weekly limits target high-tier Claude Code subscribers to curb excessive use.
- • Less than 5% of users expected to be significantly impacted by the new limits.
- • Rates are aimed at mitigating service instabilities following multiple outages.
- • Option to purchase extra usage will be available for those exceeding the limits.
Anthropic has announced the introduction of weekly rate limits for its AI coding tool, Claude Code, effective August 28, 2025. This measure targets high-tier subscribers on Pro and Max plans, which range from $20 to $200 per month. The decision follows the company's reports of service instability, attributing it to excessive use and potential violations of terms by power users who often run the tool continuously.
These weekly limits aim to curb the issues arising from continuous usage that has led to seven outages in the past month. Anthropic estimates that fewer than 5% of users will be significantly affected by these changes. Existing five-hour usage limits will remain in effect, and users exceeding the new limits will have the option to purchase additional usage at standard API rates.
Anthropic spokesperson Amie Rotherham stated that "most users won’t notice a difference," as the anticipated limits will primarily impact those who use the service at unusually high rates. The company's strategic shift underscores a broader trend in the industry, as other firms like Anysphere and Replit have similarly revised their pricing strategies in response to resource constraints.
The introduction of these rate limits not only aims to enhance service reliability for the majority of Claude Code users but also reflects the ongoing challenges in managing the operational costs associated with AI tool utilization.