GitHub has rolled out a new pricing model for its AI-powered coding assistant Copilot that charges users based on their actual usage rather than a flat subscription fee. The change has prompted immediate feedback from developers who report consuming their entire monthly credit allocations much faster than anticipated.

Under the new system, users receive a monthly allotment of "AI credits" that are consumed each time they use Copilot's features. However, some users have discovered that intensive coding sessions can exhaust these credits within a single day of work, raising concerns about the cost-effectiveness of the service for heavy users.

The usage-based pricing represents a significant shift from GitHub's previous flat-rate subscription model for Copilot. The AI assistant, which helps developers write code by suggesting completions and entire functions, has gained widespread adoption since its launch.

Developer reactions to the pricing change have been mixed, with some expressing surprise at how quickly credits can be depleted during normal coding workflows. The rapid consumption of monthly allowances suggests that active developers may face higher costs under the new pricing structure compared to the previous subscription model.

GitHub has not immediately responded to user concerns about the credit consumption rates. The company's decision to implement usage-based pricing aligns with broader industry trends toward pay-per-use models for AI services, though the practical implications for users are still being evaluated.