GitHub Copilot adds code review API support and sets Balanced as default
GitHub says Copilot code reviews can now be requested through supported REST and GraphQL APIs, with an optional effort level for each request. Balanced is now the default for new and existing repositories and organizations using code review, for the listed Copilot plans.
SessionWatcher editorial · Published · Updated · Source announcement: 2026-10-02
Related guide: How to check your GitHub Copilot usage
Code reviews can be requested through APIs
GitHub says teams can request Copilot code reviews through supported REST and GraphQL APIs. Requests can optionally specify an effort level, allowing reviews to start from scripts, workflows, and internal tools. The changes are generally available to Copilot Pro, Pro+, Max, Business, and Enterprise plans.
Sources: Copilot code review: API support and new default effort level - GitHub Changelog
Balanced is now the default effort level
Balanced is now the default review effort level for new and existing repositories and organizations using Copilot code review. GitHub says this change took effect September 28, 2026. Existing explicit Lite selections were respected. Users who prefer Lite can change the setting at the enterprise, organization, repository, or personal level.
Sources: Copilot code review: API support and new default effort level - GitHub Changelog
AI assisted reporting, checked against the linked official sources. Source pages checked 2026-10-03. Editorial process and corrections.