The BGMI Air launch date is now fixed for 10 December 2026, according to Krafton India. The lighter version of Battlegrounds Mobile India is aimed at phones with little storage and modest hardware. So it matters most to players on entry-level Android handsets.

Quick answer

  • Launch date: 10 December 2026 in India.
  • Pre-registrations: over 14 million, as reported by Beebom on 4 November.
  • Android: pre-register on the Google Play Store. FoneArena reports that iOS pre-registrations have also opened.
  • Download size: about 1 GB at first.
  • Closed beta: 20 to 24 November in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata.

What BGMI Air actually is

BGMI Air is the new name for BGMI Lite. It keeps the core battle royale gameplay, but trims the install so it runs on cheaper phones. Existing BGMI players do not need to move their accounts, because the two versions are meant to play together.

That cross-play detail comes from Digit’s report from 28 October. It also says Krafton promised no forced packages before the first match. In short, the first download should stay small.

Device requirements: what is known

Here the reports differ. Digit says the minimum is 1.5 GB of RAM and an Adreno 306 GPU or better. However, Beebom’s later report says Krafton has not yet shared a supported device list.

So treat the 1.5 GB figure as a guide, not a guarantee. Then check the Play Store listing closer to 10 December. If your phone is very old, the listing will show whether it is compatible.

Closed beta and pre-registration rewards

The closed beta runs from 20 to 24 November in Mumbai, Delhi and Kolkata. Applicants have to post a video on why they should be picked, tag the official Instagram handle and fill a form linked in the profile bio. This is a limited test, so most players will wait for the full release.

Pre-launch rewards have also been promised. Krafton has said it will share the details on its social channels, but none were published in the reports we opened. Still, pre-registering costs nothing and takes a minute.

What to do before 10 December

First, pre-register on the Play Store or the App Store, depending on your phone. Next, free up at least 2 GB so the first install and updates do not fail. Also keep your BGMI login handy, because your existing account is expected to work.

If you are shopping for a budget phone for gaming, our note on the Karbonn Rebel India launch shows how entry-level specs look today. Meanwhile, only download the game from official stores. Fake APK links tend to spread before big launches.

FAQ

When is the BGMI Air launch date in India?

Krafton India has confirmed 10 December 2026. Beebom reported the date on 4 November, after pre-registrations crossed 14 million.

Will BGMI Air come to iPhone?

FoneArena reports that iOS pre-registrations have opened ahead of the 10 December launch. Android pre-registration runs through the Google Play Store.

Do I need a new account for BGMI Air?

No. Digit reports that existing BGMI accounts carry over, and players on both versions can play together.