Claude Fable 5.1 is out, and on a Max plan it costs you nothing extra. Three commands to get on it — and the first one is where most people will stop.
Step 1: check your version
claude --version
You need 2.1.257 or newer. This is the catch. I checked both of my machines before writing this:
| machine | version | can run Fable 5.1? |
|---|---|---|
| laptop | 2.1.252 | no |
| GPU box | 2.1.87 | no |
Both were behind, and neither would have picked up the new model. If the switch command does nothing for you, this is why.
Step 2: update
claude update
Checks for updates and installs. Re-run claude --version afterwards and confirm you are past 2.1.257.
Step 3: switch
/model claude-fable-5-1
That is it. No install, no waiting list.
