GitHub Shifts from GPT-4o to GPT-4.1 in Copilot Chat – Here’s Why It Matters

GitHub just pulled the plug on GPT-4o in Copilot Chat—pushing users toward GPT-4.1 instead. Was it performance? Cost-cutting? Or just another case of AI whiplash?

Subheader: The Silent Downgrade Nobody Saw Coming

No fanfare, no blog post—just a quiet deprecation that leaves devs wondering if they’re getting an upgrade or a corporate save. (Spoiler: It’s always about the margins.)

Subheader: GPT-4.1’s Hidden Edge—Or Just Cheaper Tokens?

GitHub’s recommendation hints at ‘optimized performance,’ but let’s be real—when a tech giant swaps models, someone’s CFO is high-fiving the cloud cost dashboard.

Closer: Another day, another AI pivot. At least this one didn’t come with a ‘disruptive innovation’ press release—just the cold efficiency of a SaaS upsell.

GitHub has officially deprecated the GPT-4o model in its Copilot Chat feature as of August 6, 2025. The company now recommends using GPT-4.1, which promises improved performance and capabilities for users, according to a recent announcement on the GitHub blog.

Transition to GPT-4.1

The deprecation affects Copilot Chat functionalities, including ask, edit, and agent modes across supported integrated development environments (IDEs), the GitHub website, and GitHub mobile applications. Although GPT-4o will no longer support these functions, it remains active for code completions, ensuring continuity for developers who rely on this feature.

This strategic MOVE aligns with GitHub's earlier announcement in their May 8th changelog, which indicated the general availability of GPT-4.1 within GitHub Copilot as the new default model. The transition underscores GitHub's commitment to enhancing user experience by leveraging advancements in AI technology.

Community Engagement

Developers and users can engage in discussions regarding these changes within the GitHub Community. This platform allows users to share insights, feedback, and experiences as they adapt to the new model.

In the broader AI landscape, the shift from GPT-4o to GPT-4.1 reflects a common trend among tech companies to adopt more advanced models that offer greater efficiency and capability. As AI continues to evolve, developers are encouraged to stay informed and adapt to these changes to optimize their workflows.

• github
• gpt-4o
• copilot chat
• gpt-4.1