New to AI? You only need three labels to begin: the company makes the technology, the model is the engine, and the app is what you open. A method is a recipe developers use to build or teach AI.

Made byAnthropic
What kind of thing?Older language engine
Can I use it directly?You can try today’s Claude app. That does not mean you are using Instant 1.2.
An open notebook with a speech bubble, paper boat and bright light bulb representing words and ideas.
A question, a picture or an idea can be a starting point. The model’s job depends on what it was built to do.

See the idea in three steps

Start withAn article to shorten
AI helps withAn older Claude model
You getA short explanation

A simple illustration of the idea. Results depend on the model, training and app.

A familiar way to picture it

An everyday analogyThink of a particular older engine version, rather than the name of every car made by the company.

An analogy helps you understand the main idea. It is not a description of every technical detail.

A simple Claude Instant 1.2 example

An assistant using this kind of engine can explain the main points of an article.

1

A person asks an assistant to summarise an article.

2

A language model generates a shorter explanation.

3

The person checks whether the important points are included.

Does opening Claude mean I am using Instant 1.2?

No. Claude is the assistant app and a model family name. Instant 1.2 identifies an older model. Today’s Claude app does not mean you are using that specific version.

Where can I try it or learn more?

You can try today’s Claude app. That does not mean you are using Instant 1.2.

Try Claude ↗

A maker’s page or research page may explain the technology rather than provide a chat box. Available models, features and access can change.

A small activity for you

Open today’s Claude app and ask it to shorten a paragraph you wrote yourself. This helps you learn the assistant; it is not a test of the old Instant 1.2 model.

You do not need to memorise model sizes or write a program to understand this lesson. First explain the idea in your own words. If you want to build an app later, the official resources are your next step.

Common beginner questions

Does opening Claude mean I am using Instant 1.2?

No. Claude is the assistant app and a model family name. Instant 1.2 identifies an older model. Today’s Claude app does not mean you are using that specific version.

Who made Claude Instant 1.2?

Anthropic. You can try today’s Claude app. That does not mean you are using Instant 1.2.

How can I start learning this topic?

Open today’s Claude app and ask it to shorten a paragraph you wrote yourself. This helps you learn the assistant; it is not a test of the old Instant 1.2 model.

Keep learning

These related lessons help you compare the names without getting lost in technical details.

What Is GPT-3? GPT vs ChatGPT Explained Simply →What Is Mistral AI? Models and Its Chat Assistant Explained →

See all 20 AI names and the seven-day learning plan →

Sources and review date

Reviewed 3 November 2026. Examples and analogies are written for beginners. Product facts are linked to the maker, original project or research below.