Microsoft's GitHub shifts to metered AI billing amid cost crisis
Microsoft's GitHub is transitioning to a usage-based billing model for its Copilot service due to unsustainable costs associated with the previous request-based system. The new model, effective June 1, 2026, will utilize a virtual currency called GitHub AI Credits to measure usage based on token consumption. This change comes as the demand for AI services grows, prompting GitHub to adjust its pricing structure to better align with operational costs.
- ▪GitHub is shifting from request-based billing to usage-based billing for Copilot.
- ▪The new billing model will use GitHub AI Credits to measure token consumption.
- ▪This change is intended to address the unsustainable costs of the previous premium request model.
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