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 its previous request-based system. This change, effective June 1, 2026, will introduce a new virtual currency called GitHub AI Credits to measure usage. The move comes as the company seeks to manage escalating inference costs while still providing AI services to its customers.
- ▪GitHub is shifting from request-based billing to usage-based billing for Copilot.
- ▪The new model will use GitHub AI Credits to measure consumption of tokens.
- ▪Customers will receive a monthly allotment of credits with options to purchase more.
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