github / github/copilot-cli

[Copilot Free] Only Claude Haiku 4.5 available — request access to Claude Sonnet/Opus models

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area:models
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Description

## Summary

On the Copilot Free plan, the only available Claude model is **Claude Haiku 4.5**.
Claude Sonnet and Opus models are locked behind the Upgrade tab and require a paid plan.

## Current behavior

When running `/model` in Copilot CLI (Agency v2026.6.2.8), the "Available" tab shows only:
- Auto
- GPT-5 mini (default)
- Claude Haiku 4.5

## Expected behavior

At least **Claude Sonnet 4.5** should be available on the Free plan, even with a lower
rate limit or higher credit cost per request. Haiku is fast but lacks the reasoning depth
needed for complex coding tasks, making it hard for free-tier users to evaluate Claude's
full potential within Copilot.

## Environment

- OS: Windows 11 (ARM64)
- Agency version: 2026.6.2.8
- Copilot CLI version: v1.0.59
- Plan: Copilot Free

## Additional context

GPT-5 mini is provided as the default free model. It would be great to have a comparable
mid-tier Claude option (Sonnet) available as well, so users can make an informed choice
between model families before deciding to upgrade.

Contributor guide

Open the contributing guide

Research direction

Start by reproducing `/model` in Copilot CLI v1.0.59 on a Copilot Free plan and compare the Available tab with the requested Claude access. The issue provides no source file or test entry point; done would mean a clearly defined and approved change that makes at least Claude Sonnet 4.5 available under the stated Free-plan limits.

Written by the indexing model from the issue text.

Assessment

Tech stack
github
Domain
ai, cli
Issue type
Feature
Difficulty
5/5
Estimated time
Over a week
Activity status
Quiet
Clarity
Needs clarification
Newbie friendliness
25/100

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