Anthropic replaces Haiku 4.5 for Free, Pro and Max users, including in existing chats

Claude users on Free, Pro and Max can keep their old Haiku conversations, but not continue them with the same model. Anthropic removed Haiku 4.5 from the model selector on October 29, 2026, replacing it with Haiku 5.5 across chat, Cowork and Design. The change also covers Claude Desktop and Mobile.

The switch is automatic for affected users who had Haiku 4.5 selected. They now have Haiku 5.5 instead, and the older model is no longer an option under “More models.” Anthropic’s Help Center says the company announced the change on October 15, two weeks before it took effect.

The conversation stays; the model changes

Existing Haiku 4.5 chats remain in users’ accounts, and nothing was deleted as part of this change. Continuing one after October 29 brings a response from Haiku 5.5. Keeping a conversation’s history therefore does not keep its original model: the replacement applies when users return to earlier work, not just when they start a new chat.

Choosing another model for the next reply

Affected users are not locked to Haiku 5.5 for the rest of a conversation. Claude lets users change models at any point, with the choice taking effect on the next response. That control lets them choose another available model, but it does not restore the removed Haiku 4.5 option on the affected plans.

1. Click the model name next to the send button.
2. Choose a model, or open “More models” to see additional available options.

For users who want a separate copy of their conversations, Anthropic also points to data export. Chats can be exported at any time; exporting is an option for keeping a copy, not a requirement for retaining the existing chats in a Claude account.