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Policy · news · Multi-source brief

GitHub Copilot to Deprecate Models, Introduces Gemini 3.8 Flash

GitHub will deprecate selected Copilot models across all experiences on October 2, 2026, while simultaneously rolling out Gemini 3.8 Flash for Copilot users.

By Illumora Editorial

Source · Sep 3, 2026, 7:40 PM · On Illumora · Sep 3, 2026, 7:47 PM

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Read the source →GitHub Changelog (Copilot) — Upcoming deprecation of selected GitHub Copilot models - GitHub Changelog
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GitHub has announced the deprecation of certain GitHub Copilot models, effective October 2, 2026. This change will impact all Copilot experiences, including Copilot Chat, inline edits, ask and agent modes, and code completions. Concurrently, Gemini 3.8 Flash, Google's latest Flash model, is now available in GitHub Copilot.

Key Points

  • Selected GitHub Copilot models will be deprecated on October 2, 2026.
  • The deprecation affects all Copilot experiences, including Copilot Chat, inline edits, ask and agent modes, and code completions.
  • Gemini 3.8 Flash is now available in GitHub Copilot for Copilot Pro, Pro+, Max, Business, and Enterprise users.
  • Gemini 3.8 Flash is billed at introductory provider pricing under usage-based billing through December 31, 2026.
  • Administrators for Copilot Enterprise and Copilot Business can manage access to Gemini 3.8 Flash via model policies in Copilot settings.
  • No action is required to remove deprecated models after October 2, 2026.

Context

According to GitHub, the upcoming deprecation requires users to update workflows and integrations to utilize supported models before the specified date. Copilot Enterprise and Copilot Business administrators may need to enable access to alternative models through their model policies. GitHub's early testing indicated that Gemini 3.8 Flash performed strongly on complex terminal-based coding tasks and demonstrated rigorous validation.

Why It Matters

This update requires GitHub Copilot administrators and users to review their current model usage and plan for the transition to supported models. The introduction of Gemini 3.8 Flash offers new capabilities, particularly for terminal-based coding tasks, which could influence development workflows.

What To Do

  • Note the October 2, 2026, deprecation date for selected Copilot models.
  • Administrators should check their Copilot model settings to verify availability and enable Gemini 3.8 Flash if desired.
  • Review the documentation on supported Copilot models to understand available alternatives.
  • Compare the pricing details for GitHub Copilot models and requests, especially for Gemini 3.8 Flash's introductory pricing through December 31, 2026.