Anthropic Claude Code Update Focuses on Stability and Configuration

What happened

Anthropic released an update to its Claude Code toolset, addressing multiple issues related to model selection, compaction, and plugin management. The release includes a new configuration option, 'CLAUDE_CODE_AUTO_MODE_MODEL,' allowing users to select the model used by the client-side auto mode classifier without affecting the server-side model. Additionally, an 'Idle compaction' row was added to the /config section, letting users toggle compaction on or off.

The update also includes fixes for various bugs, such as the 'Prompt is too long' error that occurred when stopping a turn during compaction. The Read tool was updated to prevent loading image files larger than 128 MB into memory, and such files are now refused. Other fixes include improvements to the claude plugin, plugin marketplaces, and PowerShell tool functionality.

Why it matters

These updates enhance the reliability and usability of the Claude Code toolset, particularly for developers and users relying on auto mode classifiers and compaction features. The closure of standalone Claude Design by December 14, 2026, is also communicated, signaling a shift in the product roadmap. The fixes for cloud sessions and VSCode improvements contribute to smoother workflows for users managing multiple projects and configurations.

Key details

The update includes several technical improvements, such as the addition of 'classifier_category' to OpenTelemetry tool_decision events and the resolution of a prompt cache miss when tools are reloaded. The 'Idle compaction' feature allows users to manage memory more effectively. Additionally, the update includes fixes for compatibility issues with git versions 2.56 and later and improvements to startup performance with many plugins enabled.

The release also addresses issues related to cloud sessions, such as preventing cost and usage from resetting after resuming a session. The 'CLAUDE_CODE_AUTO_MODE_MODEL' configuration option provides greater control over model selection in auto mode. The update also resolves a bug where URLs in backticks were not fully clickable in certain terminal environments.