Anthropic Launches Claude Sonnet 5 as New Default AI Model
Anthropic has launched Claude Sonnet 5, making it the new default AI model for Free, Pro, Max, Team and Enterprise users. The release replaces Sonnet 4.6 and delivers near-flagship performance at a significantly lower cost than the company’s premium Opus 4.8 model.
Additionally, Sonnet 5 is available immediately through the Claude API, Claude Code and every subscription tier. The model comes with introductory pricing of $2 per million input tokens and $10 per million output tokens until August 31, 2026. After that, pricing will increase to $3 per million input tokens and $15 per million output tokens.
Improved AI performance and autonomous capabilities
The latest model focuses on stronger agentic AI capabilities. It can independently plan and complete multi-step tasks, browse the web, use terminal tools and handle projects that previously required more powerful AI models.
Moreover, Anthropic says Sonnet 5 narrows the performance gap with Opus 4.8 while costing less than half as much for input tokens. The company has also increased rate limits across Chat, Cowork, Claude Code and the Claude Platform to support higher token usage and more demanding workloads.
Enhanced safety features for developers
Alongside the performance improvements, Anthropic has strengthened Sonnet 5’s safety measures. The company says the model demonstrates fewer undesirable behaviors than earlier Sonnet versions. It also includes real-time cybersecurity safeguards similar to those used in Opus-class models, even though it was not specifically trained for cybersecurity tasks.
Meanwhile, Anthropic has accelerated its AI releases throughout 2026. After launching Opus 4.8 in May and introducing the Fable 5 and Mythos 5 models in June, the company now positions Claude Sonnet 5 as its primary AI model for developers and everyday users seeking advanced agentic capabilities at a lower cost.
