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arstechnica.com 7 days ago URGENCY: 6/10

GitHub Copilot's New Pricing Shocks Users

GitHub's shift to a usage-based pricing model for Copilot has left many users stunned by unexpected costs. Discover how quickly AI credits can vanish and what it means for your coding budget.

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GitHub Copilot's New Pricing Shocks Users

Understanding the New Pricing Model

In April, GitHub transitioned from a request-based billing system to a usage-based model for its AI-powered Copilot service. This change has led to significant sticker shock among users, as many report exhausting their monthly AI credit allotments in just hours.

Previously, users were charged based on the number of requests, but now they receive a set number of AI credits each month. For example:

  • The $10/month Pro plan offers 1,500 credits (worth $15).
  • The $39 Pro+ plan includes 7,000 credits (valued at $70).
  • The $100/month Copilot Max plan provides 20,000 credits (equivalent to $200).
The cost of using Copilot now varies significantly based on the model chosen and the complexity of requests, with some users reporting potential bills in the thousands under the new system. This shift highlights how much GitHub previously subsidized high usage, raising questions about the sustainability of AI tools for developers on a budget.
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