Anthropic Executive Forecasts AI's Swift Takeover of Software

A senior Anthropic executive has delivered a blunt forecast to the software industry: by next year, AI agents could make most traditional software products unnecessary. Alex Albert, who leads developer relations at the company behind Claude, told Business Insider that many dedicated applications will be replaced by AI capable of executing tasks directly. The prediction has stirred concern among investors and founders, suggesting a transformation as significant as the move to cloud computing.

Albert contends that numerous software-as-a-service products are merely simple interfaces for workflows. Instead of opening separate programs for project management or data analysis, a user could command an AI agent to complete the job, often more efficiently. He highlighted so-called 'CRUD apps'—tools for creating, reading, updating, and deleting data—as especially susceptible, as their logic is easily automated.

The proposed 2026 timeline is ambitious, yet technical progress lends it credence. Costs for running AI models are falling sharply, while their reliability for business use is rising. Companies like Anthropic and OpenAI are heavily investing in 'computer use' features, allowing AI to operate existing software like a human employee.

The software sector is responding with unease. While some argue that entrenched systems and compliance needs will protect traditional products, investment patterns are shifting. Venture capital is flowing toward AI-native companies, and market valuations for many SaaS firms have softened.

Anthropic's stance also reflects its commercial strategy. With Claude positioned as a broad business tool, the displacement of specialized software opens markets for underlying AI models. Microsoft and Salesforce are pursuing similar paths, integrating AI assistants directly into their platforms.

Not every application faces equal risk. Systems managing core regulated data or complex enterprise resources will likely endure, with AI acting as a new interface. The most vulnerable tools are those offering basic workflow automation or data presentation without deeper proprietary value.

The potential workforce impact adds a sobering dimension. The SaaS industry employs vast numbers; a shift to AI agents could affect those roles. Anthropic acknowledges the need for a responsible transition, though the tension between rapid adoption and broader economic consequences persists.

Whether the change occurs by 2026 or shortly after, the trajectory is evident. AI agents are growing more competent and economical. This shift differs from past evolutions in tech—it doesn't just alter how software is delivered but questions whether entire categories of it will be needed at all.