Anthropic, a rising star in the AI world, is tweaking its usage rules. The company recently announced new weekly limits for its paid subscribers. This change comes after some users pushed the system too hard, causing issues for everyone else.

The company shared on X that its most popular plan, called Claude Code, has experienced huge demand. This plan costs between $100 and $200 a month, depending on how much it’s used. Anthropic said it wants to keep supporting this growth but needs to make some adjustments first.

Why Are Limits Being Introduced?

Anthropic explained that some of its most dedicated fans run Claude Code nonstop, 24/7. These users are running up large bills because they use a lot of the AI’s resources. One user, for example, spent tens of thousands of dollars on a $200 plan. That’s a lot of usage for a single person and puts a strain on the system.

The company pointed out that it wants to support these heavy users, but at the same time, it has to protect its servers and keep costs manageable. To do this, it’s introducing weekly message limits. Previously, the biggest users could send up to 900 messages every five hours. Now, that’s becoming more regulated.

How Do These Changes Affect Users?

The new rules mean that power users can use Claude Code for up to 480 hours a week. That’s more than enough time for most teams or individuals working on big projects. A company spokesperson said most users won’t notice much difference.

But many serious users are already upset. Some have shared on Reddit that their AI bills are skyrocketing. One user said their bill hit $350 this month. Others have joked that these limits are ruining the “good old days” of AI access. Some even compared the situation to a DDoS attack, where servers are overwhelmed by too much traffic.

The new limits will go into effect on August 28. Until then, those working on large projects have a window to finish their work. It’s a reminder that running powerful AI tools isn’t cheap and that companies have to find ways to balance user needs with operational costs.

In the end, this situation highlights a bigger challenge for the AI industry. As these models become more popular, companies will have to figure out how to make money without alienating their most dedicated users. It’s a tricky balance, but one that’s crucial for the future of AI services.

Inspired by

• https://futurism.com/anthropic-users-melt-down-usage

Sources

• gmpg.org
• anthropic.com
• openai.com
• techcrunch.com
• techcrunch.com