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GitHub Copilot for JetBrains 1.18.0 Introduces AI-Assisted Tool Approvals and Enhanced Agent Controls

GitHub Copilot for JetBrains version 1.18.0 includes AI-assisted tool approvals, expanded control over agent conversations, and shared organizational skills and instructions.

By Illumora Editorial

Source · Sep 23, 2026, 12:34 AM · On Illumora · Sep 23, 2026, 12:42 AM

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Read the source →GitHub Changelog (Copilot) — New features and improvements in Copilot for JetBrains - GitHub Changelog
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GitHub has released GitHub Copilot for JetBrains 1.18.0, introducing several new features and improvements. This update focuses on enhancing the developer experience within JetBrains IDEs by providing more sophisticated AI assistance and greater control over Copilot's behavior.

Key Points

  • AI-assisted tool approvals are now in public preview for Copilot agent sessions, automatically approving low-risk tool calls.
  • Users can re-edit previous messages in a Copilot agent session, allowing for conversation and file changes to rewind.
  • Organization and enterprise skills as well as organization-managed custom instructions are supported in local and Copilot agent sessions.
  • The Codex agent now features a plan mode, enabling users to review and refine plans before implementation.
  • A new setting allows users to toggle the built-in GitHub MCP Server on or off independently of manually configured MCP servers.
  • Copilot agent sessions now include persistent per-tool controls for MCP servers.
  • A side-by-side chat panel switcher has been added to the session toolbar, facilitating simultaneous chat and session browsing.

Context

According to the GitHub Changelog, these updates aim to streamline workflows by reducing interruptions for low-risk actions and providing more granular control over AI agent interactions. The ability to re-edit messages and review agent plans before execution offers developers more flexibility and oversight in their coding processes.

Why It Matters

These enhancements provide developers with more efficient and controlled interactions with AI coding assistants. The introduction of AI-assisted tool approvals and the Codex agent's plan mode can help developers maintain productivity while ensuring that AI actions align with their intentions, potentially reducing the need for constant manual oversight.

What To Do

  • Upgrade to GitHub Copilot for JetBrains 1.18.0 to access the new features.
  • Test the AI-assisted tool approvals in Copilot agent sessions to observe their impact on workflow.
  • Experiment with re-editing previous messages in agent sessions to refine prompts.
  • Explore the Codex agent's plan mode to review and approve proposed actions.
  • Note the new setting for managing the built-in GitHub MCP Server and its per-tool controls.
  • For users on JetBrains IDE version 2025.1, plan to upgrade to 2026.1 or later as advised for future compatibility.