JetBrains announced a new update to the Air development environment on August 18, 2026, enabling Claude Pro, Claude Max, and Claude Team to be used directly through an existing subscription. Usage is deducted from the quota included in the Claude plan instead of requiring users to purchase API credits or be billed by Anthropic Console based on the number of tokens.
The release combines this integration with three major changes to how Air is used: an integrated Claude agent that relies on Anthropic’s official authentication flow, an interface for displaying multiple projects and repositories in a single window, and an improved way to read Markdown files.
Sign-in Takes Place Through Claude
When choosing to connect a Claude account, Air opens Claude’s native sign-in interface, the same mechanism used when running Claude from the terminal. After authorization is completed in the browser, the access token remains with Claude according to Anthropic’s design, while Air neither sees nor stores the credentials; it only knows that the account has been connected.
JetBrains says the implementation is based on Anthropic’s documented authentication flow, and that it delayed releasing the feature until it could avoid an OAuth workaround that might put users’ accounts at risk. In practice, this means users do not need to configure API keys when running Claude locally within Air.
A Claude Agent with First-Party Capabilities
The integrated Air feature provides what JetBrains calls “Claude Agent,” with the ability to choose current models and control the reasoning-effort level, in addition to slash commands, MCP servers, skills, permission and session-state management, and usage and status reports.
Some users had connected Claude to Air through ACP, but JetBrains recommends switching to the integrated agent to obtain accurate model reports, slash commands, and the rest of the native integration features. The feature works on macOS, Windows, and Linux. Claude Team users can also take advantage of it using their companies’ subscription seats without a separate API budget.
An Important Limitation When Using Docker
Claude Agent currently cannot run inside Docker environments using only a Claude subscription. Because the token remains on the user’s device and Air does not retain a copy, there are no credentials that can be passed into the isolated container. Therefore, operations inside Docker require API billing or the use of JetBrains AI credits.
The same limitation applies to cloud agents and automation operations that run outside the device. Tasks supported by a Claude subscription also cannot currently be shared across other usage surfaces, such as the integrated development environment or the mobile app.
Managing Multiple Projects in a Single Window
Previously, opening another repository in Air required a new window, but the multi-project view brings projects and tasks together in a single interface. The sidebar organizes tasks by project, search includes the complete task list, and the project name and branch remain visible while navigating.
This changes Air’s primary navigation unit from windows to tasks: users can run an agent in a backend repository, then move to a frontend project while it is working, and return to a completed task in a third project without losing context. Ongoing and completed tasks remain visible together, making it easier to coordinate work across multiple repositories.
Clearer Markdown File Reading
Air now displays .md files with a clear heading hierarchy, formatted lists, highlighted code blocks, and language highlighting for commands, paths, and inline code. The file remains in its usual Markdown format: formatting markers recede while reading and appear during editing, making README files, plans, notes, and documentation easier to browse.
The new release is available for download from air.dev/download or through JetBrains Toolbox. JetBrains says the desktop version of Air is free, and using the integration does not require JetBrains AI or a paid Air plan, but usage limits, models, and quotas remain tied to the user’s Claude plan.