[2025-12-08] Model picker for Copilot coding agent for Pro and Pro+ users (#58728)

Co-authored-by: Nhu Do <nhu-do@github.com>
Co-authored-by: hubwriter <hubwriter@github.com>

Author: 3 people

content/copilot/concepts/agents/coding-agent/about-coding-agent.md

@@ -45,19 +45,19 @@ While working on a coding task, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %
 
 You can also create {% data variables.copilot.custom_agents_short %} to tailor {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}'s behavior for specific workflows, coding conventions, or specialized tasks. {% data variables.copilot.custom_agents_caps_short %} allow you to define multiple specialized versions of the coding agent—such as a frontend reviewer, test generator, or security auditor—each with their own prompts, tools, and capabilities. For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/concepts/agents/coding-agent/about-custom-agents).
 
-### Benefits over traditional AI workflows
+## Benefits over traditional AI workflows
 
 When used effectively, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} offers productivity benefits over traditional AI assistants in IDEs:
 
 * With **AI assistants in IDEs**, coding happens **locally**. Individual developers pair in **synchronous** sessions with the AI assistant. Decisions made during the session are **untracked** and lost to time unless committed. Although the assistant helps write code, the developer still has a lot of **manual steps** to do: create the branch, write commit messages, push the changes, open the PR, write the PR description, get a review, iterate in the IDE, and repeat. These steps take time and effort that may be hard to justify for simple or routine issues.
 
 * With **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}**, all coding and iterating happens **on {% data variables.product.github %}** as part of the pull request workflow. You can create multiple {% data variables.copilot.custom_agents_short %} that specialize in different types of tasks. {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} **automates** branch creation, commit message writing and pushing, PR opening, and PR description writing. Developers let the agents **work in the background** and then steer {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to a final solution using PR reviews. Working on {% data variables.product.github %} adds **transparency**, with every step happening in a commit and being viewable in logs, and opens up **collaboration** opportunities for the entire team.
 
-### {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} versus agent mode
+## {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} versus agent mode
 
 {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} is distinct from the "agent mode" feature available in your IDE. {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} works autonomously in a {% data variables.product.prodname_actions %}-powered environment to complete development tasks assigned through {% data variables.product.github %} issues or {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat %} prompts, and creates pull requests with the results. In contrast, agent mode in your IDE makes autonomous edits directly in your local development environment. For more information about agent mode, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/using-github-copilot/copilot-chat/asking-github-copilot-questions-in-your-ide).
 
-### Streamlining software development with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}
+## Streamlining software development with {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}
 
 Assigning tasks to {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} can enhance your software development workflow.
 
@@ -69,11 +69,11 @@ Having {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} as an additional coding
 
 You can create specialized {% data variables.copilot.custom_agents_short %} for different tasks. For example, you might create a {% data variables.copilot.copilot_custom_agent_short %} specialized for frontend development that focuses on React components and styling, a documentation agent that excels at writing and updating technical documentation, or a testing agent that specializes in generating comprehensive unit tests. Each {% data variables.copilot.copilot_custom_agent_short %} can be tailored with specific prompts and tools suited to its particular task.
 
-### Integrating {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} with third-party tools
+## Integrating {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} with third-party tools
 
 You can also invoke {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} from external tools, allowing you to assign tasks to {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}, provide context, and open pull requests without leaving your workflow. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/concepts/tools/about-copilot-integrations)
 
-### Making {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} available
+## Making {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} available
 
 Before you can assign tasks to {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}, it must be enabled.
 
@@ -85,6 +85,14 @@ Repository owners can choose to opt out some or all repositories from {% data va
 
 For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/concepts/agents/coding-agent/managing-access).
 
+## AI models for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}
+
+{% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro %} and {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro_plus %} users can select the model used by {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}. You may find that different models perform better, or provide more useful responses, depending on the type of tasks you give {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %}.
+
+Support for selecting a model is coming soon for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_for_business %} and {% data variables.copilot.copilot_enterprise %} users. Until then, tor these users, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} will use {% data variables.copilot.copilot_claude_sonnet_45 %}. {% data variables.product.company_short %} reserves the right to change the model used at any time.
+
+For more information, see [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/use-copilot-agents/coding-agent/changing-the-ai-model).
+
 ## {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} usage costs
 
 {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} uses {% data variables.product.prodname_actions %} minutes and {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} premium requests.
@@ -156,9 +164,6 @@ Users can include hidden messages in issues assigned to {% data variables.copilo
 * **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} does not work in personal repositories owned by {% data variables.enterprise.prodname_managed_users %}**. This is because {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} requires {% data variables.product.company_short %}-hosted runners, which are not available to personal repositories owned by {% data variables.enterprise.prodname_managed_users %}. See [AUTOTITLE](/actions/using-github-hosted-runners/using-github-hosted-runners/about-github-hosted-runners).
 * **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} doesn't account for content exclusions**. Content exclusions allow administrators to configure {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to ignore certain files. When using {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} will not ignore these files, and will be able to see and update them. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/managing-copilot/configuring-and-auditing-content-exclusion/excluding-content-from-github-copilot).
 * **{% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} only works with repositories hosted on {% data variables.product.github %}**. If your repository is stored using a different code hosting platform, {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} won't be able to work on it.
-* **You cannot select the AI model used by {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}**. A model picker is not available to switch between models, and {% data variables.product.company_short %} reserves the right to change models at any time.
-
-  Currently, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} uses {% data variables.copilot.copilot_claude_sonnet_45 %}.
 
 ## Hands-on practice
 

content/copilot/concepts/auto-model-selection.md

@@ -2,8 +2,8 @@
 title: 'About {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} auto model selection'
 allowTitleToDifferFromFilename: true
 shortTitle: 'Auto model selection'
-intro: 'Automatically select models for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}.'
-product: '{% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} is in  {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %} for supported IDEs with all {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plans.'
+intro: 'Automatically select models for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} and {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}.'
+product: '{% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} is in {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %} for supported IDEs with all {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot %} plans. {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} is generally available for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro %} and {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro_plus %} users.'
 topics:
   - Copilot
 versions:
@@ -17,15 +17,20 @@ category:
 
 Experience less rate limiting and reduce the mental load of choosing a model by letting {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection %} automatically choose the best available model on your behalf.
 
-{% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection %} is currently optimized for model availability, choosing from a list of models that may change over time. It currently chooses from {% data variables.copilot.copilot_gpt_41 %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_gpt_5_mini %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_gpt_51_codex_max %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_claude_haiku_45 %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_claude_sonnet_45 %}, and {% data variables.copilot.copilot_gemini_3_pro %}, based on your subscription type.
+{% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection %} is currently optimized for model availability, choosing from a list of models that may change over time.
 
 With {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection %}, you benefit from:
   * Reduced chances of rate limiting
-  * Discounted multipliers for paid plans
+  * Discounted multipliers for paid plans ({% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} only)
+
+{% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} **won't** include these models:
+* Models excluded by individual or administrator policies. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/use-ai-models/configure-access-to-ai-models).
+* Models with premium request multipliers greater than one. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/reference/ai-models/supported-models#model-multipliers).
+* Models not available in your plan. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/reference/ai-models/supported-models#supported-ai-models-per-copilot-plan).
 
 > [!NOTE] Soon {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection %} will choose the best model for you by taking into account both model availability and your task.
-  
-> [!TIP] To see which model was used for each response, hover over the response in {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}.
+
+## {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} in {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}
 
 {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} is available in the following IDEs: 
   * {% data variables.product.prodname_vscode_shortname %}
@@ -34,19 +39,32 @@ With {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection %}, you benefit from
   * JetBrains IDEs
   * Xcode
 
-{% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} **won't** include these models:
-* Models excluded by individual or administrator policies. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/how-tos/use-ai-models/configure-access-to-ai-models).
-* Models with premium request multipliers greater than one. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/reference/ai-models/supported-models#model-multipliers).
-* Models not available in your plan. See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/reference/ai-models/supported-models#supported-ai-models-per-copilot-plan).
+When you select **Auto** in {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} may choose from the following list of models, subject to your policies and subscription type. Models may change over time.
+  * {% data variables.copilot.copilot_gpt_41 %}
+  * {% data variables.copilot.copilot_gpt_5_mini %}
+  * {% data variables.copilot.copilot_gpt_51_codex_max %}
+  * {% data variables.copilot.copilot_claude_haiku_45 %}
+  * {% data variables.copilot.copilot_claude_sonnet_45 %}
 
-## AI models for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}
+> [!TIP] To see which model was used for each response, hover over the response in {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}.
 
 While {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short %} is an option for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}, you can manually choose a different model to override this selection. {% data reusables.copilot.change-the-ai-model %}
 
-## Multiplier discounts
+### Multiplier discounts
 
 {% data reusables.copilot.auto-model-multiplier-discount %} See [AUTOTITLE](/copilot/concepts/billing/copilot-requests#model-multipliers).
 
-## Enabling access during {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %}
+### Enabling access during {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %}
 
 During the {% data variables.release-phases.public_preview %}, if you're using a {% data variables.copilot.copilot_business_short %} or {% data variables.copilot.copilot_enterprise_short %} plan, the organization or enterprise that provides your plan must have the **Editor preview features** policy enabled. See [AUTOTITLE](/enterprise-cloud@latest/copilot/managing-copilot/managing-github-copilot-in-your-organization/managing-policies-for-copilot-in-your-organization#enabling-copilot-features-in-your-organization) or [AUTOTITLE](/enterprise-cloud@latest/copilot/managing-copilot/managing-copilot-for-your-enterprise/managing-policies-and-features-for-copilot-in-your-enterprise#copilot-in-githubcom).
+
+## {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} in {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}
+
+> [!NOTE] {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} is currently only available for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro %} and {% data variables.copilot.copilot_pro_plus %} users.
+
+When you select **Auto** in {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}, {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short_cap_a %} currently chooses from the following list of models, subject to your policies and subscription type:
+  {% data reusables.copilot.copilot-coding-agent-auto-models %}
+
+While {% data variables.copilot.copilot_auto_model_selection_short %} is an option for {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}, you can manually choose a different model to override this selection.
+
+{% data reusables.copilot.change-the-ai-model-copilot-coding-agent %}

content/copilot/concepts/billing/copilot-requests.md

@@ -42,7 +42,7 @@ The following {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} features can u
 | [{% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %}](/copilot/using-github-copilot/copilot-chat) | {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} uses **one premium request** per user prompt, multiplied by the model's rate. This includes ask, edit, agent, and plan modes in {% data variables.copilot.copilot_chat_short %} in an IDE. | {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} premium requests |
 | [{% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %}](/copilot/concepts/agents/about-copilot-cli) | Each prompt to {% data variables.copilot.copilot_cli_short %} uses **one premium request** with the default model. For other models, this is multiplied by the model's rate. | {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} premium requests |
 | [{% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} code review](/copilot/using-github-copilot/code-review/using-copilot-code-review) | Each time {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} reviews a pull request (when assigned as a reviewer) or reviews code in your IDE, **one premium request** is consumed. | {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} premium requests |
-| [{% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}](/copilot/concepts/about-copilot-coding-agent) | {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} uses **one premium request** per session, plus **one premium request** for each real-time steering comment made during an active session. A session begins when you ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to create a pull request or make one or more changes to an existing pull request. | {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} premium requests |
+| [{% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %}](/copilot/concepts/about-copilot-coding-agent) | {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} uses **one premium request** per session, multiplied by the model's rate. A session begins when you ask {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} to create a pull request or make one or more changes to an existing pull request. In addition, each real-time steering comment made during an active session uses **one premium request** per session, multiplied by the model's rate. | {% data variables.copilot.copilot_coding_agent %} premium requests |
 | [{% data variables.copilot.copilot_spaces %}](/copilot/using-github-copilot/copilot-spaces/about-organizing-and-sharing-context-with-copilot-spaces) | {% data variables.copilot.copilot_spaces %} uses **one premium request** per user prompt, multiplied by the model's rate. | {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} premium requests |
 | [{% data variables.product.prodname_spark_short %}](/copilot/tutorials/building-ai-app-prototypes) | Each prompt to {% data variables.product.prodname_spark_short %} uses a fixed rate of **four premium requests**. | {% data variables.product.prodname_spark_short %} premium requests |
 | [{% data variables.product.prodname_openai_codex %} integration](/copilot/concepts/agents/openai-codex) | While in preview, each prompt to {% data variables.product.prodname_openai_codex %} uses **one premium request** multiplied by the model multiplier rates. | {% data variables.product.prodname_copilot_short %} premium requests |