Claude Code version 2.1.236 introduces the ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_MODEL environment variable to set the default model for new sessions, alongside a cross-session notify_when_idle feature for macOS and Linux. The update also resolves several critical bugs, including a permanent failure of the fullscreen renderer after a failed start and issues with clipboard copy and background housekeeping.

  • Added ANTHROPIC_DEFAULT_MODEL environment variable to persist model selection across restarts.
  • Added notify_when_idle to cross-session SendMessage for one-shot idle notifications.
  • Fixed fullscreen renderer exiting permanently on failed start by falling back to the classic renderer.
  • Improved auto mode on Bedrock, Vertex AI, and Foundry to use Claude API defaults.
  • Capped automatic and /recap recap text at 400 characters to prevent runaway session recaps.

These changes enhance configuration persistence and system stability while ensuring consistent behavior across different cloud environments.