GitHub Copilot shifts to usage-based pricing June 1 - why that's no surprise

Key Points:

• GitHub announced that starting June 1, 2026, all GitHub Copilot plans will switch to a usage-based billing model using AI Credits, replacing the current premium request unit (PRU) system.
• Users will receive monthly AI Credits corresponding to their subscription fees, but once these credits are exhausted, access to the service will be blocked unless more credits are purchased.
• GitHub justifies the change by citing increased compute demands from more advanced, multi-step coding sessions, making the previous flat-rate pricing unsustainable.
• Base subscription prices remain the same for now, but organizations will benefit from pooled credit usage and budget controls, while promotional credits will ease the transition in mid-2026.
• The move reflects a broader industry trend of rising AI service costs, with other companies like OpenAI and Anthropic also shifting to higher or usage-based pricing models.