By ByteBot
Anthropic suddenly cut off Claude Max API access to third-party IDE extensions including OpenCode on January 9, 2026 at 02:20 UTC. Within hours, developers paying $100-200/month flooded GitHub with complaints, generating 147+ reactions and 245 Hacker News points. Moreover, users are canceling subscriptions en masse, calling the forced migration to Anthropic’s official tools “going back to the stone age.”
Claude Max Suddenly Blocked from Third-Party Tools
Claude Max – Anthropic’s premium $100-200/month tier – stopped working in OpenCode and other third-party IDE extensions this morning. Developers trying to use Claude Max through OAuth authentication hit error messages. No warning. No migration path. Just sudden lockout.
The block specifically targets OpenCode versions 1.1.8 and above. However, GPT-4 via OAuth still works fine. Only Claude Max got cut off.
OpenCode is an open-source AI coding agent that brings Claude into VS Code, Cursor, and other IDEs. Furthermore, it adds keyboard shortcuts, context awareness, and multi-file editing capabilities. Developers loved it because it integrated Claude’s reasoning into their existing workflow instead of forcing them into a terminal.
Developers Cancel Expensive Subscriptions
User @Naomarik posted on the GitHub issue: “using CC [Claude Code] is like going back to stone age.” He immediately downgraded his $200/month Max subscription, then canceled entirely. His reason: “unusable for the workflows I have and the visibility I need that opencode has enabled.”
He’s not alone. Multiple users report abandoning subscriptions mid-workflow. Consequently, the value proposition collapsed: paying $200/month but locked into Anthropic’s terminal-only Claude Code tool instead of the IDE integration they actually wanted.
The timing stings. Users were mid-project when access died. One developer: “working fine 1 hour ago and now I am getting this error.” Another: “using it all afternoon/evening and just got this.”
Why Anthropic Blocked OpenCode Access
The official line: Terms of Service enforcement. Anthropic’s ToS prohibits using their API to “build a competing product or service” or “resell the Services except as expressly approved.”
One user acknowledged the legal angle: “I don’t believe we are supposed to be able to use the max plan outside of anthropic tools the way we are.”
Nevertheless, here’s the competitive angle: Anthropic recently launched Claude Code, their official terminal-based coding tool. OpenCode provided objectively better UX with IDE integration, team collaboration features, and familiar keyboard shortcuts. Therefore, blocking third-party access forces users into Anthropic’s ecosystem or out entirely.
This isn’t new behavior. Indeed, Anthropic restricted usage limits without warning in August 2025, targeting account transfers and excessive usage. The January 2026 OAuth block is the next escalation.
AI Walled Gardens Are the New Normal
AI companies are following the Apple playbook. Early era (2022-2024) featured open APIs and encouraged third-party integrations. In contrast, current era (2025-2026) prioritizes ecosystem lock-in and official tools.
OpenAI restricts API usage for competing products. Similarly, Google requires Gemini through official channels. Microsoft ties Copilot to GitHub and VS Code. Now Anthropic blocks Claude Max from third-party IDEs.
The justification is always ToS enforcement or quality control. However, the effect is always reduced user choice and strengthened first-party tools.
Where Developers Are Migrating
Cursor has Claude 4.5 Sonnet access for $20/month with full IDE integration. Meanwhile, GitHub Copilot offers Claude 3 Sonnet for $10/month with tight GitHub integration. Both provide the IDE experience Anthropic just killed.
Some developers are exploring cheaper alternatives – Chinese model APIs like GLM 4.7 via Z.ai that work with OpenCode. Additionally, others are waiting to see if Anthropic reverses course or creates an “approved partner” program.
The bigger question: will other AI providers copy these restrictions? If locking down APIs becomes industry standard, third-party innovation dies and users lose flexibility.
What Happens Next
Anthropic hasn’t issued an official statement. The GitHub issue remains open with 112+ comments and counting. As a result, developers are watching to see if this is permanent policy or ToS overreach that gets walked back.
For now, the message is clear: pay $200/month and use our tools, or leave. That’s a risky play when competitors offer similar models with more flexibility at lower prices.
The AI coding assistant market is crowded and users have options. Ultimately, forcing them into walled gardens might protect Claude Code, but it could also accelerate the exodus to Cursor and Copilot.
