Summary
On September 1, 2026, GitHub gave administrators the ability to authorize Copilot code review to formally approve pull requests when the code meets configured standards, moving Copilot from advisory review comments to a sanctioned approver in the merge path.
What changed
GitHub added an admin-controlled setting that lets Copilot code review provide PR approvals, not just review suggestions, when submitted code meets the standards administrators define.
Why it matters
Letting an AI reviewer approve merges changes the governance model for code review, raising both velocity benefits and questions about accountability and required human sign-off. It is a concrete step toward AI holding gate-keeping authority in enterprise development workflows.
Evidence excerpt
Copilot code review can now approve pull requests — admins can authorize Copilot to provide approvals on pull requests when code meets standards.