Claude Can Now Control Your Mac

Anthropic launched a major new capability on March 24, 2026: Claude can now take direct control of a Mac computer to perform tasks on behalf of the user.

The feature, available as a "research preview" for Claude Pro, Max, Team, and Enterprise subscribers, allows the AI to click, type, and navigate apps — just like a human would.

When Claude lacks a direct integration with a specific application, it takes screenshots of the desktop to understand what's on screen, then simulates keyboard and mouse inputs to complete the task. The system uses a permission-first approach, requesting user authorization before interacting with any new application.

The feature integrates with Claude's "Dispatch" functionality, enabling users to assign tasks from their iPhone that are then executed on their Mac. Practical examples include exporting pitch decks and attaching them to calendar invites, entering data into spreadsheets, processing documents, and organizing folders.

Anthropic is clear that this remains early-stage technology that may make mistakes, and advises users to start with trusted applications and avoid sensitive data. Windows support has been announced as the next step.

For CIOs and IT leaders, this represents a new category of tooling: AI as an operator, not just an advisor. The implications for enterprise process automation are substantial.