What Happened to Airmail (Email Client)?
Airmail is a feature-rich email client for macOS and iOS, developed by Bloop SRL, known for its extensive customization and integration with third-party apps. Initially a one-time purchase, it transitioned to a subscription model in 2019, a move that generated user dissatisfaction but allowed for continued development and the introduction of new features like AI search suggestions and a 'Liquid Glass Redesign' in 2025-2026. As of mid-2026, it remains a powerful tool for Apple users, albeit with ongoing debates around its pricing and occasional bug reports.
Quick Answer
Airmail, the email client for Apple devices, continues to be actively developed by Bloop SRL, offering a highly customizable experience for power users. After a controversial shift to a subscription model in 2019, it has seen updates like the 'Liquid Glass Redesign' and AI search suggestions in 2025-2026, requiring iOS 26 or later. While praised for its robust features and integrations, some users still express frustration over its subscription pricing and occasional performance issues, particularly with search functionality. It remains a viable alternative to Apple Mail, especially for those managing multiple accounts and seeking advanced workflow automation.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Airmail for macOS Reviewed
Macworld reviews Airmail for macOS, noting it as a 'great-looking email client' with some quirks.
Airmail for iOS Released
Airmail expands its presence with the release of its highly anticipated iOS application for iPhone and iPad, aiming to provide a comprehensive email solution across Apple's mobile ecosystem.
Airmail 3 Wins Apple Design Award
Airmail 3 is recognized with a prestigious Apple Design Award, highlighting its excellence in design, innovation, and technical achievement for macOS and iOS.
Enhanced Search and iCloud Sync
Airmail introduces a redesigned and improved search system, user templates that sync across all devices, and Spotlight search integration, further enhancing its power-user appeal.
Transition to Subscription Model
Airmail switches from a one-time purchase to a subscription-based 'Airmail Pro' model, making the app free but requiring a subscription for features like multiple accounts and push notifications, leading to significant user backlash.
User Feedback on Bugs and Support
Discussions on forums highlight ongoing user concerns regarding Airmail's buggy nature, inconsistent support, and lack of significant new features, despite its powerful customization options.
Airmail iOS 26 Release with 'Liquid Glass Redesign'
Airmail releases version 26.0 for iOS, introducing a 'Liquid Glass Redesign,' support for iOS 26+, and AI search suggestions, along with various bug fixes.
Subscription Price Increase Controversy
Users on Reddit discuss a significant increase in Airmail Pro subscription pricing, with some reporting a 233% increase, leading to renewed debate over the app's value proposition.
Airmail Pro Subscription Details Updated
Airmail's official FAQ confirms the subscription model, stating the app is free for one account, with Pro subscriptions required for multiple accounts and advanced features, with prices varying by region.
Airmail vs. Spark Comparison
A review comparing Airmail and Spark in 2026 highlights Airmail's strength in customization and local processing, contrasting it with Spark's AI features and cloud-based synchronization.
User Reconsideration Amidst Alternatives
Users on MPU Talk discuss returning to Airmail despite its pricing, citing the shortcomings of alternative email clients like Apple Mail for power user workflows.
Current Market Position and Pricing
Airmail is listed among the best email clients for Mac in 2026, noted for its unified inbox, AI-powered quick replies, and extensive integrations, with Pro subscription options at $9.99/month or $29.99/year, and a one-time business fee of $49.99.
🔍Deep Dive Analysis
Airmail emerged as a prominent email client for macOS and iOS, developed by the Italian company Bloop SRL, gaining recognition for its elegant design and powerful customization options. It quickly became a favorite among power users for its unified inbox, extensive third-party app integrations (including Todoist, OmniFocus, and Dropbox), and features like snooze, send later, and customizable swipe gestures. The app's commitment to a seamless experience across Apple devices, including Apple Watch, further solidified its position in the market.
A significant turning point for Airmail occurred on July 15, 2019, when Bloop SRL controversially switched from a one-time purchase model to a subscription-based 'Airmail Pro' service. This change, implemented without prior warning, angered many existing users, especially as it limited core functionalities like multiple account support and push notifications for those who did not subscribe. The developers cited increasing backend service expenses as the reason for the shift, aiming to ensure the business's sustainability.
Despite the initial backlash, Airmail continued its development. In 2017, Airmail 3 received an Apple Design Award, highlighting its design and functionality. In the years following the subscription change, the app has focused on refining its features and maintaining compatibility with the latest Apple operating systems. User reviews in 2025 and 2026 consistently praise its ability to manage multiple accounts, its customizable interface, and its integration capabilities.
However, the subscription model and its pricing continue to be a point of contention. While Airmail offers a free version with basic features (limited to one account), the 'Pro' subscription, necessary for advanced functionalities, has seen various price points, with some users reporting increases up to $40 or even $120 per year in 2026, leading to renewed frustration. Furthermore, some users have reported ongoing issues with search functionality, occasional bugs, and a perceived lack of significant new features since its award-winning days, suggesting that development might be more focused on maintenance and minor improvements rather than groundbreaking innovations.
As of July 12, 2026, Airmail remains a robust and highly configurable email client for the Apple ecosystem. Recent updates, such as 'Airmail iOS 26' released around September 2025, introduced a 'Liquid Glass Redesign,' editable Smart Folders, and AI search suggestions, requiring iOS 26 or later. Bloop SRL is actively seeking developers, indicating ongoing commitment to the product. While it continues to cater to a segment of users who value deep customization and integration, the balance between its premium features and its subscription cost remains a critical factor in its market perception and competitive standing against alternatives like Apple Mail and Spark.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if Airmail (Email Client) made different choices?