GitHub has begun rolling out OpenAI’s complete GPT-5.1 model family across its Copilot AI assistant platform. The public preview includes three models—GPT-5.1, GPT-5.1-Codex, and GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini—giving developers access to OpenAI’s latest 5.1-series capabilities directly within their coding workflow.
Three Models, Different Strengths#
The GPT-5.1 suite offers options for different use cases. GPT-5.1 serves as the flagship general-purpose model, while GPT-5.1-Codex and GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini are optimized specifically for coding tasks. The “Mini” variant provides a lighter-weight option for developers who prioritize speed over maximum capability.
All three models are available to Copilot Pro, Pro+, Business, and Enterprise subscribers.
Platform Availability#
GPT-5.1 has the broadest availability, accessible through VS Code in all modes (chat, ask, edit, agent), JetBrains IDEs, Xcode, Eclipse, github.com, GitHub Mobile on iOS and Android, and the Copilot CLI.
GPT-5.1-Codex and GPT-5.1-Codex-Mini require minimum version requirements: VS Code 1.104.1+, JetBrains plugin 1.5.61+, Xcode extension 0.45.0+, and Eclipse plugin 0.13.0+. Both are also available through the Copilot CLI.
The rollout is gradual—developers who don’t see the new models yet should check back as GitHub expands access.
Enabling Access#
Different subscription tiers follow different enablement paths:
Enterprise and Business plans require administrators to enable the respective GPT-5.1 model policies in Copilot settings before users can access them in the model picker.
Pro and Pro+ subscribers can enable access directly by selecting the desired model in the picker and confirming the one-time prompt.
Bring Your Own Key users can select “Manage Models” from the picker, choose their preferred GPT-5.1 model, and enter their OpenAI API key when prompted.
Expanding Model Choice#
The addition of the full GPT-5.1 suite continues GitHub’s commitment to offering diverse AI model options within Copilot. Developers can now choose from OpenAI’s latest models alongside options from Anthropic, Google, and others—selecting the model best suited to their specific coding tasks without leaving their preferred development environment.