GitHub’s New Raptor Mini Makes Copilot Smarter

Image source: https://github.com/features/c…

TL;DR

GitHub introduces Raptor mini for Copilot in VS Code, expanding AI capabilities for Pro and Free users.

Key Points

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Raptor mini is an experimental AI model for GitHub Copilot, currently available in public preview for Pro, Pro+, and Free plans in Visual Studio Code, with plans to expand to other platforms.

While unconfirmed, the model may derive from GPT-5 mini, tuned to improve tool use, editing, and coding efficiency.

Raptor mini is not yet available for Business/Enterprise plans or in the Copilot CLI, but there is interest and demand for its inclusion in these areas.

Some users in Reddit have reported issues with enabling Raptor mini in Visual Studio Code, indicating that the rollout is gradual and may require checking back if it doesn't appear immediately.

The introduction of Raptor mini raises questions about the necessity of maintaining multiple similar models, suggesting a potential future consolidation of AI model offerings in GitHub Copilot.

GitHub's latest move is attracting attention with the public preview of Raptor mini, an experimental model for GitHub Copilot. It's now available to those on Pro, Pro+, and Free plans using Visual Studio Code. Raptor mini aims to make coding more fluid and efficient, though it's not yet available for Business or Enterprise plans. So, if you're part of a larger team, you might have to wait for a bit.

Looking ahead, GitHub plans to roll out Raptor mini to other platforms like GitHub.com, Visual Studio, and JetBrains IDEs. This gradual expansion seems like a smart move, allowing GitHub to test the waters and gather feedback before fully committing. For now, if you're using Visual Studio Code, you can explore Raptor mini and see how it fits with your coding routine.

In another interesting twist, GitHub has decided to keep the doors open on Grok Code Fast 1, a tool that helps with code comprehension. Originally, there was a deadline for this free access, but now it's been extended indefinitely. This means developers can keep using it without worrying about costs, at least for the time being. But heads up - regular pricing will kick in eventually, so it's wise to be prepared for that shift.

GitHub strategy is clear: Remaining a leader in developer tools. By rolling out Raptor mini and extending Grok Code Fast 1, they're meeting the needs of individual developers and companies and paving the way for future progress.

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3 plans

The availability of Raptor mini for GitHub Copilot in Visual Studio Code plans.

Stakeholder Relationships

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Organizations

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GitHub Platform

Responsible for integrating and managing the Raptor mini model within its ecosystem.

Microsoft Parent Company

Plays a significant role in strategic decisions and resource allocation for the development and deployment of new features like Raptor mini.

OpenAI AI Technology Provider

Provides the underlying AI technology for Raptor mini, ensuring its performance and reliability.

Tools

Key entities and stakeholders, categorized for clarity: people, organizations, tools, events, regulatory bodies, and industries.

Raptor mini AI Model

An experimental AI model for GitHub Copilot, available for different user plans.

GitHub Copilot AI Tool

The platform where Raptor mini is being integrated to assist developers.

Visual Studio Code IDE

The initial platform where Raptor mini is available, ensuring compatibility and smooth integration.

Timeline of Events

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Nov 10, 2025 Public preview rollout of Raptor mini

GitHub announced the public preview of Raptor mini, an experimental model for GitHub Copilot, available to Pro, Pro+, and Free plans in Visual Studio Code.

Ongoing Extension of complimentary access to Grok Code Fast 1

Complimentary access to Grok Code Fast 1 continues past the previously announced end time, with no new end date set. Regular pricing will apply after the extension ends.

Future Developments Expansion of Raptor mini to other platforms

Raptor mini is set to expand to other platforms such as GitHub.com, Visual Studio, and JetBrains IDEs in the coming weeks. It is not yet available for Business/Enterprise plans.