Beta and Research Preview

What it is

Claude ships some features before they’re generally available. Those features carry one of two labels: beta or research preview. Both mean “still evolving” — but they signal different stages.

Where to find it

Labels show up next to the feature name — in settings, in the feature itself, and on the help-center page that describes it. There’s no separate page to visit.

How to use it

Read the labels

• Research preview. Earlier in development. A first look at something Anthropic is exploring. More likely to change significantly before it graduates. Treat as experimental.
• Beta. Further along. Stable enough for regular use. Anthropic is refining based on real-world feedback.

What to expect from either

• The experience may change as it evolves.
• Performance and reliability may vary — less refined than GA features.
• Not every feature graduates. Some become permanent; others are discontinued.

What’s currently in each state

Snapshot as of 2026-04-18 (from the Anthropic help-center article):

Availability varies by plan — check each feature’s help-center article for specifics.

Good to know

• Feedback shapes the roadmap. Anthropic uses in-app feedback and support contact to inform what graduates and what gets cut.
• Labels can move. A feature in research preview can progress to beta, then to GA. When it moves, the in-app label usually updates within a release or two.
• Plan gating is independent of stage. A GA feature can still be Pro+-only; a research preview can still be on Free. Don’t infer one from the other.
• Computer use and Claude Security aren’t in the table above but are also in research preview — see their dedicated pages.

What’s changed recently

• 2026-04-18 — Page created from official help-center article.

Related

• Cowork — an overview
• Claude Design
• Computer Use
• Claude Security