‘What a joke’: Github Copilot’s new token-based billing spurs consternation among devs

techcrunch.com May 31, 2026

‘What a joke’: Github Copilot’s new token-based billing spurs consternation among devs

Curated by Shubham · TechCapsules · May 31, 2026

AI-summarised brief · reviewed before publication

Microsoft is switching Github Copilot's billing system from a flat subscription rate to a token-usage system, which may significantly increase costs for users. The change, set to take place on June 1, will charge users based on how many tokens they use, rather than a low flat rate. This has sparked concerns among developers, with some reporting drastic increases in costs, from around $29 to nearly $750 per month. Critics argue that users who are blowing through many tokens are likely "vibe-coders" with little actual development knowledge.

💡 Why It Matters

· The new billing system highlights Microsoft's struggle to balance the needs of its user base, from small companies to large enterprises.
· The company's previous model, which subsidized users' token usage, has been criticized for encouraging "vibe-coding" and wasting resources.
· The change may force developers to reassess their use of Copilot and adopt more efficient practices.

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