Microsoft to Integrate Anthropic AI Models

Microsoft is set to enhance its Office 365 suite by incorporating artificial intelligence models from Anthropic, indicating a growing divide with OpenAI. According to two individuals involved in the project, Microsoft will pay to utilize Anthropic's Claude models for certain Office 365 Copilot features. Internal testing revealed that Anthropic's models outperformed OpenAI's in generating PowerPoint presentations and managing complex Excel functions. This change integrates Anthropic and OpenAI technology into Microsoft's key business software. OpenAI's GPT-5 remains in use for several Copilot tasks, but Anthropic's Claude Sonnet 4 will handle advanced tasks such as spreadsheet automation and presentation design. Microsoft and OpenAI are engaged in ongoing negotiations regarding OpenAI's restructuring plans. OpenAI's public listing plans have impacted negotiations with Microsoft, complicating liquidity plans for investors and employees. A Microsoft spokesperson confirmed the continuation of its partnership with OpenAI. Microsoft will pay AWS to access Anthropic's technology. The Office 365 Copilot subscription remains priced at $30 per user per month, with the service potentially generating over $1 billion annually. Anthropic's performance advantage convinced Microsoft executives to proceed with this decision.