Feature: Allow AI to programmatically update session name (sync UI display)

Summary

Currently, the session name displayed in Claude Code's input area (top-right UI element) can only be updated via the /rename slash command, which must be typed by the user. There is no way for the AI assistant to trigger a session rename programmatically.

Problem

When a user asks the AI to rename the current session, the AI can update file-based workarounds (e.g. a session-name-override file used by custom status line scripts), but cannot update the session name shown in Claude Code's own UI — the top-right label in the input area.

The user must still manually type /rename <name> to update the UI, even after the AI has already determined an appropriate name.

Proposed Solution

One or more of the following:

1. Expose a tool or hook that allows the AI to call /rename programmatically (e.g. a RenameSession tool similar to existing tools like TaskCreate).
2. Have Claude Code watch the sessions JSON file (~/.claude/sessions/<pid>.json) for changes to the name field and reflect them in the UI without requiring an in-memory update via /rename.
3. Provide a documented IPC mechanism (e.g. via hs.ipc or a named pipe) so external scripts or the AI can signal Claude Code to refresh the session name from disk.

Use Case

Users who want the AI to auto-name sessions based on conversation content (e.g. via a UserPromptSubmit hook) currently need a two-step workaround:

• AI updates a custom override file → status line reflects new name
• User must still manually run /rename → Claude Code UI reflects new name

A unified mechanism would allow full automation of session naming without user intervention.

Environment

• Claude Code: 2.1.107
• macOS: 15.7.4 (Sequoia, Apple Silicon)
• Terminal: iTerm2 3.6.9

🤖 Generated with Claude Code