TL;DR
A blog post criticizes Anthropic for blocking 'opencode' from the Claude Code API, prompting the author to try other models and warning that the move could drive users away. The post says this restriction may be the start of broader enforcement and questions Anthropic's reliability for developer workflows.
What happened
A blog post published on Jan. 15, 2026 reports that Anthropic removed access for a capability called "opencode" from its Claude Code API. The author, who says they had been recommending Claude Code following the Opus 4.5 release, framed the change as hostile to users and said it has pushed them to experiment with alternative models. The piece notes an earlier instance of the same restriction that had a simple workaround, but warns Anthropic could make circumvention harder — for example by enforcing fixed system prompts or other constraints. The author argues that cutting off certain uses makes it clear access may depend on matching Anthropic's preferred usage patterns, and that this approach risks driving users and developers toward competing model providers. The post appears on geohot's blog and expresses strong concern about relying on a provider that limits usage in this way.
Why it matters
- Limits on API features can disrupt developer workflows and integrations.
- Restricting specific behaviors may reduce trust in a platform's reliability.
- Perceived unilateral enforcement of usage rules could push users to competitors.
- Unclear policies around allowed capabilities increase operational risk for developers.
Key facts
- The post reports Anthropic blocked 'opencode' from the Claude Code API.
- The criticism was published Jan. 15, 2026 on a personal blog linked in the source.
- The author says they had been recommending Claude Code since the Opus 4.5 release.
- An earlier removal of opencode had an easy workaround, according to the post.
- The author warns Anthropic could make workarounds harder, for example via fixed system prompts.
- The post states the author will try other models in response to the restriction.
- The author frames the action as a potential pattern of cutting off uses that don't align with Anthropic's expectations.
What to watch next
- Whether Anthropic expands or clarifies restrictions on Claude Code usage: not confirmed in the source
- Whether developers and teams begin migrating workloads to alternative model providers: not confirmed in the source
- Whether Anthropic announces policy changes or a rationale for blocking opencode: not confirmed in the source
Quick glossary
- Anthropic: A company that develops AI models and provides APIs for accessing them.
- Claude Code API: An application programming interface offered by Anthropic for code-related model features.
- Opencode: A capability or feature referenced in the blog post that was blocked from the Claude Code API; the source does not define it further.
- System prompt: A predefined instruction or context fed to a model to shape its behavior during API calls.
- Opus 4.5: A release or version referenced in the post as increasing interest in Claude Code; the source does not provide technical details.
Reader FAQ
What action by Anthropic is being criticized?
The post says Anthropic blocked 'opencode' from the Claude Code API.
Who raised the complaint?
A post on geohot's blog published Jan. 15, 2026 raised the complaint.
Did Anthropic explain why it removed opencode?
not confirmed in the source
Will users move away from Claude Code because of this?
The author says they and others are likely to try other models, but broader migration is not confirmed in the source.
Anthropic is making a huge mistake Jan 15, 2026 For context, Anthropic again blocked opencode from the Claude Code API. I wasn’t planning to try other models today, but now…
Sources
- Anthropic is making a huge mistake
- Anthropic Just Pulled the Rug on Competition (Locked …
- Anthropic blocks third-party use of Claude Code …
- Anthropic Claude Code Restriction Controversy
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