Microsoft has transitioned GitHub Copilot to a usage‑based pricing model as of June 1, 2026. Subscribers now receive a monthly allotment of “AI Credits” that are consumed based on token usage rather than the previous flat‑fee, request‑based billing. The change, which keeps base subscription prices unchanged, is driven by Copilot’s evolution from a simple code‑completion tool into a suite of AI‑powered coding agents, debugging features and autonomous workflows that place much higher demands on computational resources. [1]
Under the new system, Copilot Pro users receive $10 in AI Credits per month and Pro+ users $39. Advanced tasks consume credits more quickly than basic assistance, and heavy usage of AI agents can substantially increase monthly costs. The move has drawn sharp criticism from developers on social media, with some sharing screenshots of estimated bills jumping from around $50 to thousands of dollars. Others argue that the cost increase mainly affects inefficient “vibe‑coders” who rely on trial and error rather than efficient use of the tool. Microsoft says the usage‑based model is essential for long‑term service reliability and to avoid having to restrict heavy users. [2]