GPT-5.1 Models Now In Public Preview For GitHub Copilot

by Alex Johnson 56 views

Exciting news for developers! OpenAI's cutting-edge GPT-5.1 series models, including GPT-5.1, GPT-5.1-Codex, and GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini, are now rolling out in public preview for GitHub Copilot. This update promises to enhance your coding experience with improved AI assistance and capabilities. Let's dive into what this means for you and how you can start using these powerful new models.

Availability in GitHub Copilot

The OpenAI GPT-5.1 suite is designed to be accessible across various GitHub Copilot plans. Specifically, Copilot Pro, Pro+, Business, and Enterprise users will have access to these models. However, the availability and usage of each model may vary depending on the environment. Understanding where each model shines will help you leverage them effectively in your development workflow. The integration of these models marks a significant step forward, offering tailored AI assistance that caters to different coding tasks and environments. By providing access across multiple plans, GitHub ensures a wide range of users can benefit from the enhanced capabilities of the GPT-5.1 series. Whether you're using Visual Studio Code, JetBrains, Xcode, Eclipse, or even GitHub Mobile, these models are designed to integrate seamlessly and provide intelligent suggestions and support.

To fully harness the power of these new models, it’s crucial to understand their specific applications. For example, GPT-5.1 is widely available across different platforms and modes, making it a versatile choice for general coding assistance. On the other hand, GPT-5.1-Codex and GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini are optimized for specific IDE versions and offer specialized capabilities in code generation and editing. This tailored approach ensures that you receive the most relevant and effective AI assistance for your particular coding environment and task. Furthermore, the gradual rollout ensures that GitHub can monitor performance and gather feedback, leading to continuous improvements and refinements in the models' capabilities.

By making these models available to a diverse set of users, GitHub is fostering a community of developers who can explore, experiment, and innovate with AI-assisted coding. This collaborative environment will undoubtedly drive further advancements in AI-driven development tools and techniques. As you begin to use these models, consider how they can streamline your workflow, reduce errors, and enhance your overall productivity. The possibilities are vast, and the potential for innovation is immense. Embrace this new era of AI-assisted coding and discover how the GPT-5.1 series can transform your development experience.

GPT-5.1

  • Visual Studio Code in all modes: chat, ask, edit, agent
  • JetBrains in all modes: ask, edit, agent
  • Xcode in all modes: ask, agent
  • Eclipse in all modes: ask, agent
  • github.com
  • GitHub Mobile (iOS and Android)
  • Copilot CLI

GPT-5.1-Codex and GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini

  • Visual Studio Code versions 1.104.1 and later, all modes: chat, ask, edit, agent
  • GitHub Copilot for JetBrains versions 1.5.61 and later, in all modes: ask, edit, agent
  • GitHub Copilot for Xcode versions 0.45.0 and later in all modes: ask, agent
  • GitHub Copilot for Eclipse versions 0.13.0 and later in all modes: ask, agent
  • Copilot CLI

Keep in mind that the rollout will be gradual, so if you don’t see the new models immediately, check back soon!

Enabling Access

To start using these GPT-5.1 models, you'll need to enable access through your GitHub Copilot settings. The process varies slightly depending on your plan type, so here’s a breakdown to guide you through it. For Enterprise and Business plans, administrators play a crucial role in enabling these features. Administrators must enable the OpenAI GPT-5.1, GPT-5.1-Codex, or GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini policy within the Copilot settings. Once this is done, users within the organization will be able to see and select the respective model in the Copilot Chat model picker. This centralized control ensures that organizations can manage the rollout of these new AI capabilities in a coordinated and secure manner. By allowing administrators to enable specific models, GitHub provides the flexibility to tailor the AI assistance to the specific needs and requirements of different teams and projects.

For those on Pro and Pro+ plans, the process is even more straightforward. Users can directly enable the model by selecting it in the model picker. Upon selection, you’ll be prompted to confirm a one-time request, granting access to the chosen model. This streamlined approach empowers individual users to quickly and easily leverage the new AI capabilities without requiring administrative intervention. It’s a testament to GitHub's commitment to providing a user-friendly experience that puts the power of AI directly into the hands of developers. By simplifying the activation process, GitHub encourages users to explore and experiment with the GPT-5.1 series, fostering a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.

If you prefer to bring your own key, GitHub also offers a flexible option for advanced users. Simply select Manage Models from the picker, choose the OpenAI GPT-5.1, GPT-5.1-Codex, or GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini model, and enter your API key when prompted. This method allows you to integrate your own OpenAI account and leverage your existing API credentials with GitHub Copilot. It's particularly useful for users who have specific requirements or preferences for their AI models and want to maintain full control over their API usage. By offering this option, GitHub caters to the diverse needs of its user base and ensures that developers can seamlessly integrate the GPT-5.1 series into their existing workflows and environments.

Regardless of your plan type, enabling access to the GPT-5.1 models is a straightforward process that unlocks a wealth of new AI-powered coding capabilities. Take the time to explore the different models and find the ones that best suit your needs and preferences. With the right setup, you can transform your development experience and achieve new levels of productivity and efficiency.

Learn More

To fully understand the capabilities and nuances of each model available in GitHub Copilot, it’s essential to dive into the official documentation. GitHub provides comprehensive resources that detail the features, limitations, and best practices for using the GPT-5.1 series. By consulting these resources, you can gain a deeper understanding of how each model works and how to effectively integrate them into your coding workflow. The documentation covers a wide range of topics, from basic usage instructions to advanced customization techniques, ensuring that you have all the information you need to maximize the benefits of AI-assisted coding.

In addition to the official documentation, there are also numerous online communities and forums where you can connect with other developers and share your experiences with the GPT-5.1 models. These communities provide a valuable platform for asking questions, exchanging tips and tricks, and collaborating on innovative projects. By engaging with your peers, you can learn from their successes and failures, and contribute to the collective knowledge of the GitHub Copilot community. This collaborative environment fosters a culture of continuous learning and improvement, ensuring that you stay up-to-date with the latest advancements in AI-driven development.

As you explore the available resources, pay close attention to the specific use cases and scenarios where each model excels. Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each model will help you make informed decisions about which one to use for a particular task. For example, GPT-5.1 may be better suited for general coding assistance, while GPT-5.1-Codex may be more effective for code generation and editing. By tailoring your approach to the specific capabilities of each model, you can optimize your workflow and achieve the best possible results. Remember, the key to successful AI-assisted coding is to combine the power of these models with your own expertise and creativity. By leveraging the strengths of both human and artificial intelligence, you can unlock new levels of productivity and innovation in your development projects.

To explore all models available in GitHub Copilot, see our documentation on models and get started with Copilot.

Share Your Feedback

Your feedback is crucial in shaping the future development of GitHub Copilot and its AI models. GitHub encourages you to share your thoughts, experiences, and suggestions to help improve the platform and make it even more valuable for the developer community. By providing constructive criticism and highlighting areas for improvement, you can play a direct role in enhancing the capabilities of the GPT-5.1 series and other AI-driven features.

There are several ways to share your feedback with GitHub. One of the most effective methods is to join the GitHub Community and participate in discussions related to Copilot. This forum provides a dedicated space for users to share their thoughts, ask questions, and engage with other developers and GitHub engineers. By actively participating in these discussions, you can contribute to a collective understanding of the platform's strengths and weaknesses, and help guide its future development.

In addition to the GitHub Community, you can also provide feedback through surveys, feedback forms, and direct communication with GitHub support. These channels offer a more structured way to share your thoughts and ensure that your voice is heard. When providing feedback, be as specific as possible and include concrete examples to illustrate your points. This will help GitHub engineers understand the issues you're raising and develop effective solutions. Remember, your feedback is valuable and can make a significant difference in the quality and usability of GitHub Copilot.

By actively participating in the feedback process, you not only help improve the platform for yourself but also contribute to the success of the entire developer community. GitHub Copilot is a collaborative effort, and your input is essential in ensuring that it meets the needs of developers of all skill levels. So don't hesitate to share your thoughts, suggestions, and experiences – your voice matters and can help shape the future of AI-assisted coding.

Join the GitHub Community to share your feedback.

The post OpenAI’s GPT-5.1, GPT-5.1-Codex and GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini are now in public preview for GitHub Copilot appeared first on The GitHub Blog.

🔗 View original changelog entry 📅 Published: Thu, 13 Nov 2025 17:10:39 +0000

To learn more about GPT models, check out the official OpenAI website.