GitHub Copilot, the AI-powered coding assistant from Microsoft-owned GitHub, is getting new usage limits and pricing changes that could impact developers relying on the platform’s most advanced models.
Premium Requests and Model Restrictions Begin in May
Starting May 2025, GitHub Copilot users will encounter “premium requests” — a system that limits the use of higher-end AI models for complex tasks like multi-file editing and agentic coding. While unlimited access to the base model (OpenAI’s GPT-4o) remains available, advanced models such as Anthropic’s Claude 3.7 Sonnet will now come with monthly caps.
Here’s how the new limits break down:
- Copilot Pro ($20/month): 300 premium requests/month
- Copilot Business: 300 premium requests/month
- Copilot Enterprise: 1,000 premium requests/month
These changes will begin rolling out between May 5 and May 19 depending on the plan.
Optional Upgrades: Copilot Pro+ and Add-on Pricing
For developers who need more, GitHub is launching Copilot Pro+, a $39/month plan that includes:
- 1,500 premium requests/month
- Access to GitHub’s “best models,” including OpenAI’s GPT-4.5
Alternatively, users on existing plans can purchase extra premium requests at $0.04 per request.
Why the Changes? Computing Costs and Model Complexity
The new pricing structure likely reflects increased operational costs associated with running more capable AI models. Models like Claude 3.7 Sonnet or GPT-4.5 often require:
- More computational power
- Longer inference times
- Advanced reasoning and fact-checking abilities
While these features deliver greater reliability, they also demand higher infrastructure costs, which GitHub appears to be passing on to users.
GitHub Copilot’s Business Is Booming
Despite these new charges, GitHub Copilot is far from a financial burden. According to Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella, Copilot has already become a larger business than all of GitHub was when acquired seven years ago. In 2024, Copilot contributed over 40% of GitHub’s revenue growth, showcasing how central AI coding assistants have become in modern software development.
What This Means for Developers
For most casual developers, the base model and included premium requests may be sufficient. However, power users and teams relying on cutting-edge models for large-scale or complex projects may need to reassess their budgets or upgrade to Copilot Pro+.
These changes also signal a broader trend in the AI tooling market — advanced capabilities will increasingly come at a premium as companies look to balance performance and profit.
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