GitHub Copilot Shifts to AI Credits Billing June 1

GitHub announced Thursday that it will transition its Copilot AI coding assistant to a usage-based billing model starting June 1, replacing the current premium request unit system with GitHub AI Credits. The change affects all subscription tiers, including individual Pro and Pro+ plans as well as Business and Enterprise offerings.

Under the new system, each plan provides a monthly allotment of AI Credits equivalent to its subscription price, with one credit equaling one cent. Credits will be consumed based on token usage, including input, output, and cached tokens, according to published API rates for each model. Basic features such as code completions and Next Edit suggestions will remain included in subscriptions without consuming credits. More advanced functions, including Copilot code reviews, will use credits along with GitHub Actions minutes billed at standard rates.

GitHub Chief Product Officer Mario Rodriguez explained the shift stems from escalating inference costs that the company has largely absorbed. "Today, a quick chat question and a multihour autonomous coding session can cost the user the same amount," Rodriguez said. "The current premium request model is no...