Anthropic expands Claude with dozens of new app connectors

Anthropic expands Claude with dozens of new app connectors
CNET

Key Points

  • Claude now supports over 200 third‑party connectors.
  • New integrations include Instacart, Spotify, Uber, TripAdvisor, and TaskRabbit.
  • The AI automatically suggests the most relevant connector based on conversation context.
  • User data from connectors is not used to train Claude's models.
  • All major actions require explicit user confirmation before completion.
  • Anthropic emphasizes ad‑free experience and easy disconnection of services.
  • Competitors Gemini and ChatGPT also offer app connections, but Claude's dynamic suggestions are unique.
  • Security measures include vetting of connectors and encrypted data transmission.

Anthropic announced Thursday that its Claude AI assistant now supports more than 200 third‑party connectors, adding a slate of consumer‑focused services such as Instacart, Spotify, Uber and TripAdvisor. The new integrations let users retrieve data and trigger actions directly from chat, while the system automatically suggests the most relevant connector based on conversation context. Anthropic says the feature remains ad‑free, that user data won’t be used to train models, and that users must confirm any major transaction before it completes.

Anthropic rolled out a major update to its Claude conversational AI on Thursday, unveiling a growing library of connectors that link the chatbot to everyday services. The company now lists more than 200 integrations, a jump from the initial rollout in July 2025. Among the newest are consumer‑oriented platforms such as Instacart, Spotify, Uber, Uber Eats, TripAdvisor, and TaskRabbit, expanding Claude’s reach beyond its traditional productivity‑focused tools.

Connectors act as bridges between Claude and external apps. When a user asks the assistant to book a restaurant reservation, add a grocery item to a cart, or check a flight status, Claude can call the appropriate service, pull the needed information, and even complete the transaction—all within the chat window. The system now surfaces the most relevant connector automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually select an integration. For example, a request to "find a nearby hiking trail" will prompt Claude to suggest the AllTrails connector without prompting.

Anthropic emphasizes that the feature remains ad‑free and privacy‑centric. The company states that data retrieved through a connector is not fed back into Claude’s training set, and that users must explicitly confirm any high‑stakes action, such as finalizing a purchase. Users can also disconnect a service at any time through the interface.

Claude is not the only chatbot offering external app access. Competitors like Google’s Gemini and OpenAI’s ChatGPT already support connections to Google services, Canva, Zillow and other platforms. However, Anthropic argues that its dynamic suggestion engine sets Claude apart, making the experience feel more conversational and less procedural.

The expansion reflects Anthropic’s broader strategy to position Claude as a general‑purpose assistant that can handle both work‑related tasks and personal errands. Historically, the AI excelled at drafting documents, summarizing data, and answering technical queries. The latest wave of connectors, many of which are lifestyle‑oriented, signals a shift toward a more holistic user experience.

Developers can add new connectors through Anthropic’s public directory, which now hosts over 200 entries. The company hints that additional integrations are on the way, though it did not specify which services will be added next. Early adopters have praised the seamless workflow, noting that the ability to order groceries or book rides without leaving the chat saves time and reduces friction.

Security experts caution that any third‑party integration introduces potential attack vectors, but Anthropic assures that each connector undergoes a vetting process and that data transmission follows industry‑standard encryption. The firm also provides a clear audit trail, allowing users to review which actions were taken on their behalf.

Overall, the update positions Claude as a more versatile digital companion, capable of handling a broader spectrum of daily activities while maintaining a focus on user control and privacy.

#Artificial Intelligence#Anthropic#Claude#App Integration#Chatbot#Productivity Tools#Consumer Services#Privacy#Automation#Technology News
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