GitHub Copilot app

GitHub Copilot app is GitHub's desktop workspace for directing coding agents, following parallel development sessions and reviewing changes across projects. It connects repository work, issues, pull requests and agent activity in one interface. It suits developers who want to delegate and review software work; generated changes still need human review and testing.

Features

• Run parallel agent sessions in separate Git branches and worktrees.
• Choose Interactive, Plan or Autopilot session modes and supported models.
• Work with local folders and repositories, or supported cloud sessions.
• Review diffs, issues, pull requests and CI results in the workspace.
• Configure instructions, skills, MCP integrations and canvases.
• Save recurring prompts and scheduled automations.

This is the GitHub Copilot app published in github/app. It is built on Copilot CLI, but it is a distinct desktop surface from the standalone terminal CLI and the Copilot extensions in editors. It is also different from GitHub Desktop, the separate Git client. Installing this app does not automatically install every IDE extension or confer a commercial IDE license.

Install and connect

Install the official DMG matching your Mac processor, or use brew install --cask github-copilot-app. Copy GitHub Copilot.app to Applications, sign in to GitHub, then connect a repository or local folder. Official releases supply native Apple Silicon ARM64 and Intel x64 DMGs; Windows and Linux builds are separate. The reviewed public documentation does not state an exact minimum macOS version, so the cask's listed macOS variations should not be treated as a verified minimum system requirement.

The official quickstart requires Git, a GitHub account and either a Copilot plan or a configured model provider. Local project builds also need their actual language runtimes, package managers and tools; the desktop app does not make every repository buildable by itself. GitHub Enterprise Cloud with data residency has a documented sign-in path; the quickstart states GitHub Enterprise Server is not supported. Version-specific release notes contain some enterprise-host fixes, which do not replace that broader published availability statement.

Local and cloud execution

Local agent sessions can read and edit project files and run permitted tools on your computer. Worktree isolation separates Git work, not every operating-system resource or external side effect. Review repository trust, tool permissions and proposed commands, especially before allowing dependency scripts, terminal commands, deployments or destructive file operations. Keep version control and independent backups. Cloud sessions use GitHub-hosted environments rather than making the local application an offline model runtime.

Computer use is an optional public-preview capability for local macOS and Windows sessions. On macOS it requires Accessibility and Screen Recording permissions to interact with controls and inspect windows. These permissions belong to that feature, not a blanket prerequisite for all ordinary project sessions. Its saved application approvals can apply to both the app and CLI on the same computer; removing an approval does not stop an already-running authorized operation. Limit approvals to the applications and actions you intend.

MCP servers and model providers can need separate authentication and may access external services. A local session does not imply all prompts, source context and results stay on the device. Review Copilot or provider data-processing terms before using sensitive repositories. The repository discloses usage, conversation and feedback telemetry when using a Copilot account. Organization policies can restrict app access, integrations and content; the app policy is separate from the CLI policy. Model output can contain incorrect or insecure code and can resemble public code, so review provenance and licenses as well as functionality.

Accounts, plans and license

The app is available on all Copilot plans, including Free, subject to applicable organization policies and usage limits. Downloading it is not a promise of unlimited free model use. Paid Copilot plans, metered AI usage and additional credits have separate billing rules; current plan prices and entitlements should be checked before use. Some existing annual subscribers remain on legacy request-based billing, so one historical premium-request allowance is not a universal current app entitlement.

Bring your own key lets you configure a supported provider without a Copilot plan, but still uses provider credentials and that provider's charges, limits and data rules. GitHub sign-in remains part of the documented setup. The repository states copyright GitHub, Inc., all rights reserved; it is a public distribution and issue-tracking repository, not an open-source license grant for the current app. GitHub terms and service policies apply separately to generated code and third-party components.

The official 1.1.27 Apple Silicon DMG is 332,441,163 bytes according to HTTP HEAD. Installed storage, worktrees, repository clones, build dependencies and session artifacts require additional space.

Sources: Official distribution repository, Product overview, Setup and prerequisites, Computer-use permissions, Current plans, Legacy billing scope.