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GitHub Copilot Expands Model Choice, Adds Content Protections

GitHub Copilot has expanded its model choices, including Claude Fable 5.1 and Gemini 3.8 Flash, and introduced content protections, while VS Code received updates for managing agent sessions and pull requests.

By Illumora Editorial

Source · Sep 4, 2026, 9:05 PM · On Illumora · Sep 4, 2026, 9:17 PM

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Read the source →GitHub Changelog (Copilot) — GitHub Copilot weekly releases — August 31 - GitHub Changelog
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GitHub Copilot has expanded its available models and introduced content protections, according to a GitHub Changelog entry on August 31. Concurrently, VS Code has added new functionalities for managing agent sessions and preparing pull requests for merging.

Separately, GPT-6 Astra from OpenAI is now generally available in GitHub Copilot, as announced in another GitHub Changelog entry on September 4. This model is designed for long-horizon, autonomous coding and agentic tasks.

Key Points

  • Claude Fable 5.1 is available to Copilot Pro+, Max, Business, and Enterprise users.
  • Gemini 3.8 Flash is rolling out to Copilot Pro, Pro+, Max, Business, and Enterprise users.
  • The Copilot app and CLI now honor content exclusions, preventing sensitive code from being included in agentic workflows.
  • Agent Merge is in public preview, designed to prepare pull requests for merging by resolving review feedback, failed checks, and merge conflicts.
  • Multi-root workspaces are experimental, bringing Copilot and Claude agent sessions to every folder within a workspace.
  • GPT-6 Astra from OpenAI is available in GitHub Copilot for Copilot Pro+, Max, Business, and Enterprise users.
  • GPT-6 Astra is billed at provider list pricing under usage-based billing.

Context

According to GitHub Changelog, the GitHub Copilot harness is now generally available in Copilot for JetBrains, aiming for faster feature delivery and improved code quality. Chat backgrounds are also experimental, allowing personalization of the Agents window. Chat sessions now organize related chats hierarchically, indicating which ones require attention.

Why It Matters

The expansion of model choices and the introduction of content protections in GitHub Copilot offer developers more flexibility and control over their coding environments. The availability of GPT-6 Astra provides a new option for complex, autonomous coding tasks, potentially enhancing efficiency and performance for users with specific needs.

What To Do

  • Note the availability of Claude Fable 5.1 and Gemini 3.8 Flash for eligible Copilot subscriptions.
  • Explore the GPT-6 Astra model if you are a Copilot Pro+, Max, Business, or Enterprise user.
  • Review the documentation on supported models to understand the full range of options.
  • Check Copilot settings if you are a Copilot Enterprise or Business plan administrator to manage access to GPT-6 Astra.
  • Test the Agent Merge public preview to streamline pull request preparation.