In development MRC 571400

Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Chat: Access to UBB models via the model selector

Users will be able to access models that require usage-based billing (UBB) from the model selector in Chat. Tenant admins will need to allocate credits so that users can interact with these models. If users consume their allotted credits, they will be able to request credits from

Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365) 03 Horizon06 Cost & Value08 Adoption

DIGITAL SKILL WORKS LTD / 12 PANES

GA / disclosure October CY2026
Platforms Desktop, Web

What it is

Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365): Chat: Access to UBB models via the model selector is a Microsoft 365 roadmap item published via Microsoft Release Communications. Current status: In development.

What it does

Users will be able to access models that require usage-based billing (UBB) from the model selector in Chat. Tenant admins will need to allocate credits so that users can interact with these models. If users consume their allotted credits, they will be able to request credits from their tenant admins.

Why you should care

Board

Track as Horizon signal; decide whether it changes Wave 0 priority or stays on the watchlist.

CISO

Confirm identity, data access, and overshare exposure before enabling for broad cohorts.

CFO

Metering change: set budgets, owners, and reclaim rules before open consumption.

Adoption

Pilot with a named cohort and measure changed work, not vanity clicks.

Suggested action

Wave 0 first: Security → GRC → Cost & Value → Licence → Adoption. Add to Horizon watchlist with an owner. Pilot only after Steady controls for the affected surface are in place.

12 Panes: 03 Horizon · 06 Cost & Value · 08 Adoption

Communication needed

  • Security: Assess exposure, Conditional Access, and agent/tool permissions.
  • GRC: Update AI/agent register and evidence path; confirm DPIA triggers if personal data is in scope.
  • FinOps: Lead cost controls and budget owners before open metering.
  • Adoption: Plan cohort messaging, clinics, and success measures.
  • Comms: One story for board and staff — what changes, what does not, who owns risk.

Benefits

  • May improve productivity on a specific Microsoft 365 surface when permissions and data quality allow.
  • Roadmap visibility helps Horizon planning without guessing dates.
  • Better measurement supports Use it or lose it and value reconciliation.

Risks

  • Status and dates change; treat MRC as directional, not a contract.
  • Enabling without Steady controls can amplify overshare or cost leakage.
  • Preview or rolling features can change behaviour; fence exploration on Pane 12 Frontier.

Source

  • MRC id: 571400
  • Status: In development
  • Products: Microsoft Copilot (Microsoft 365)
  • GA / disclosure: October CY2026
  • Preview: —
  • Platforms: Desktop, Web
  • Cloud instances: Worldwide (Standard Multi-Tenant)
  • moreInfoUrls: —
  • Open on Microsoft 365 Roadmap

Microsoft Release Communications / Microsoft 365 Roadmap (AI at Work). Content is subject to Microsoft API Terms of Use. Dates and status change; verify in the official roadmap before acting.

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