×
Anthropic blocks Windsurf’s Claude API amid OpenAI takeover rumors
Written by
Published on
Join our daily newsletter for breaking news, product launches and deals, research breakdowns, and other industry-leading AI coverage
Join Now

Anthropic‘s sudden termination of Windsurf‘s access to Claude 3.x models creates significant disruption amid OpenAI’s reported acquisition plans. This competitive clash between major AI companies highlights the strategic importance of model access in the rapidly consolidating AI tools market, where partnerships and acquisitions increasingly determine which companies can leverage the most powerful AI capabilities.

The big picture: Anthropic has cut off Windsurf’s direct access to Claude 3.x models with less than five days’ notice, creating service disruptions as OpenAI reportedly moves to acquire the AI coding platform for $3 billion.

  • Windsurf CEO Varun Mohan announced the restriction on Tuesday via X, noting that the company had been willing to pay for full capacity but was rebuffed.
  • The timing aligns with Bloomberg’s May 6 report that OpenAI agreed to acquire Windsurf, in what would be OpenAI’s largest acquisition to date.

Why this matters: The sudden restriction appears strategically timed to prevent OpenAI from gaining access to Claude’s capabilities through the Windsurf acquisition, highlighting the intensifying competition between major AI model providers.

  • The targeted nature of the restriction is evident as other AI coding platforms reportedly maintain their Claude access.

Windsurf’s response: To mitigate disruption, Windsurf has implemented alternative AI models while maintaining limited Claude access options for users.

  • The company now promotes Gemini 2.5 Pro at a reduced 0.75x rate as an alternative.
  • Windsurf users can still access Claude models via a bring-your-own-key approach, though with more limited functionality.
  • The platform’s GPT-4.1 and other model integrations remain unaffected by Anthropic’s decision.

Between the lines: This move signals Anthropic’s unwillingness to have its models potentially enhance a competitor’s offerings, suggesting AI companies are becoming increasingly protective of their model access as the industry consolidates.

Anthropic Cuts Windsurf’s Claude Access Before OpenAI Acquisition

Recent News

Meta’s Aria Gen 2 smart glasses track biometrics to train AI robots

Meta envisions AI that remembers where you left your keys and sends robots to fetch them.

Connecticut launches first AI-focused magnet high school this fall

Students get direct pathways to internships with major Connecticut manufacturers.