The MacBook Air has achieved icon status. When Apple introduced it in 2008, it redefined what a laptop could be -- and set the bar for style and portability.
I love the MacBook Air, and for many years vigorously recommended it as the best laptop for most people. But since Apple reworked the design in 2018, things have become more complicated. My endorsement is now qualified, requiring some verbal asterisks and footnotes.
Partly, it's becauseApple now sells two different laptops called the MacBook Air. The new model, which the company introduced in October 2018, starts at $1,199. It has a more modern Apple aesthetic, newer components and a few features, like a Retina display and Touch ID, that were previously exclusive to the more expensive MacBook Pro. (Read the full MacBook Air 2018 review here.)
You might be surprised to learn that Apple still sells the older MacBook Air, a modelreleased in June 2017. It's essentially the same design that Apple introduced way back in 2010. It has 2017-era components -- probably not your top choice in 2019 -- but also a revered keyboard and a time-tested build. (Read the full MacBook Air 2017 review here.)
And thoughApple sells it for $999, it can usually be found for $900, and sometimes even less. (Note that CNET may get a share of revenue from the sale of the products featured on this page.)
On the surface, the newer model is the superior machine in nearly every way. Its components are contemporary, if not exactly cutting-edge, and Apple has addressed most of the previous model's minor design imperfections. But, at $900, I think the older MacBook Air still delivers compelling value -- especially if you're just looking for a laptop that can handle basics like email, internet, document and spreadsheets.
Before we move forward with a detailed product comparison, it's worth noting that there arelots and lots of excellent non-Apple laptops priced around $1,000that offer greater versatility, more powerful components and features you won't find on either MacBook Air. Yes, you'll have to do without Apple's terrificMacOS Mojave operating system. But you'll find superior Intel processors, discrete graphics cards and touchscreen displays that, in some cases, work in both laptop and tablet mode.
With that caveat out of the way, let's take look at how the two different MacBook Airs stack up. First, a summary of what's included with each base model and the upgrades that are available.
The basics: Entry-level configurations, upgrades and features
| | MacBook Air (2018) | MacBook Air (2017) |
|---|---|---|
| Base price | $1,119 | $999 |
| Display size/resolution | 13.3-inch LED-backlit IPS display (2,560x1,600 pixels) | 13.3-inch LED-backlit display (1,440x900 pixels) |
| Processor | 1.6GHz quad-core Intel Core i5 | 1.8GHz dual-core Intel Core i5 (2.2GHz dual-core Intel Core i7 upgrade available) |
| Memory | 8GB 2,133MHz LPDDR3 RAM (16GB upgrade available) | 8GB of 1,600MHz LPDDR3 RAM |
| Graphics | Intel UHD 617 | Intel HD Graphics 6000 |
| Storage | 128GB PCIe SSD (256GB, 512GB or 1.5TB upgrade available) | 128GB PCIe SSD (256GB or 512GB upgrade available) |
| Networking | 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.2 | 802.11ac Wi-Fi; Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Ports and connections | 2x Thunderbolt 3 USB-C ports (one of which is used to connect the charger) | 2x USB 3 ports, Thunderbolt 2 port, SDXC card slot |
| Weight | 2.75 pounds | 2.96 pounds |
| Operating system | MacOS Mojave | MacOS Mojave |
| Battery life | 10 hours, 46 minutes | 10 hours, 43 minutes |
| Other notable features | Touch ID, which doubles as power button | MagSafe connector for charger |
Next, we'll take a look at the specific differences between the 2017 and 2018 MacBook Air in terms of design, display, keyboard, ports and connections, processing power and battery life.
How big a deal is a Retina display?
When it announced the new MacBook Air at its October 2018 keynote, Apple spent a lot of time talking up the Retina display. And for good reason: It has a much higher native resolution than the older screen, making it crisper, more vivid and easier on the eyes. It's also brighter, rated for 500 nits compared to the older model's 300. Apple narrowed the bezels rather dramatically, giving the new MacBook Air a more modern aesthetic. Finally, the new display contains no mercury or arsenic, making for a less toxic, more sustainable manufacturing process.
The 2017 MacBook Air's display is not bad. The 1,440x900-pixel resolution is pretty standard for a 13.3-inch display. But it's noticeably dimmer and less sharp than the new model's display.
Advantage:MacBook Air 2018
(Note: It's bewildering that neither MacBook Air has a touchscreen display. Indeed, no Apple laptop has one, and it's among the most glaring weaknesses of the entire lineup. If you're interested in a touchscreen laptop, there's no shortage ofexcellent touchscreen Windows and Chromebookmodels that cost less than either MacBook Air.)
The butterfly effect
For years, the MacBook Air was universally lauded for its sublime keyboard. The keys' size, shape and travel -- that is, the distance they move when pressed -- were right on the money, making it a genuine pleasure to use. Then, in 2018, Apple replaced the traditional Air keyboard with its "new and improved" super flat "butterfly" keyboard.
The reception has been mixed. Some folks don't love the flat design. Others think it's fine. And a small but vocal subset of users have alleged that the new keyboard is fatally sensitive to dust and other microparticles, rendering some keys unusable in some cases. Wall Street Journal reporter Joanna Stern this weekend penned a hilarious, maddening article about writing with a defective keyboard.
I've been using @Apple's new MacBook Air for about a month & I've had the same issues as @JoannaStern. Constant double "E"s and "T"s , and I've had food nowhere near this thing. No biggie. They're just the most used letters in the English language. 🙄https://t.co/ZETILLenv4
— Shara Tibken (@sharatibken) March 27, 2019
We believe that the 2018 MacBook Air and newest Touch Bar MacBook Pros have a retooled version of the butterfly keyboard, equipped with a membrane that helps keep dust from gumming up the keys. The entry-level MacBook Pro (without the Touch Bar) has an earlier version of the butterfly keyboard without the membrane; this is the version that has been labeled "defective" by some.
The 2017 MacBook Air has Apple's traditional, beloved keyboard, which is my favorite of the lot. It's more than a mild preference -- but short of a deal-killer for the new MacBook Air. Still, it's one of the reasons I think the older model remains worth considering.
Like the keyboard, personal taste will dictate how you feel about the touchpad. The new MacBook Air has a much larger touchpad that's equipped with Apple's Force Touch technology, with sensors at each corner of the touchpad that register when you click it. The older model has a simpler hinge design. Both are great.
Advantage:MacBook Air 2017
Limited firepower
Apple laptops usually have older, less powerful processors than their Windows-based contemporaries and the MacBook Air is no exception. The 2018 MacBook Air comes equipped with a dual-core eighth-gen Intel Core i5 processor. The 2017 features -- egads -- a fifth-generation Intel processor, the entry-level Core i5 or Core i7, which costs an additional $150. Both models feature integrated Intel graphics, which means neither is ideal for gaming or graphic design, though I've used Photoshop on both without issue.
The 2018 MacBook Air, which comes with 8GB of 2,133MHz LPDDR3 memory by default, can be upgraded to 16GB. The older model comes in one size only, with 8GB of 1,600MHz LPDDR3 memory. One other note about the 2018 model: It has a fan, which doesn't run constantly, but it is surprisingly loud when it does.
And here's the shocker: Despite having a processor that's several years newer, the new MacBook Air is just a tad faster than its predecessor. In our benchmark testing, it eked out a minor performance edge that's barely imperceptible in regular use. And it's noticeably slower than many Windows laptops in its price class and theentry-level 13-inch MacBook Pro, which costs only $100 more.
Geekbench 4 (multicore)
Dell XPS 13 (2018)
12,855
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
11,983
Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017)
9,032
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2018)
7,870
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017)
7,490
Apple MacBook (12-inch, 2017)
6,898
Acer Swift 7
6,027
Cinebench R15 CPU (multicore)
Dell XPS 13 (2018)
629
Microsoft Surface Laptop 2
589
Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017)
381
Acer Swift 7
263
Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2018)
253
Apple MacBook (12-inch, 2017)
252
System configurations
| Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2018) | Apple MacOS Mojave 10.14; 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-8210Y; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 2,133MHz; 1,536MB Intel UHD Graphics 617; 256GB SSD |
|---|---|
| Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) | Apple MacOS Sierra 10.12.6; 2.2GHz Intel Core i7-56500U; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,600MHz; 1,536MB Intel HD Graphics 6000; 256GB SSD |
| Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017) | Apple MacOS Sierra 10.12.6; 3.1GHz Intel Core i5-7267; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 2,133MHz; 1,536MB Intel Iris Plus Graphics 650; 512GB SSD |
| Apple MacBook (12-inch, 2017) | Apple MacOS Sierra 10.12.5; 1.2GHz Intel Core m3-7Y32; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,866MHz; 1,536MB Intel HD Graphics 615; 256GB SSD |
| Dell XPS 13 (2018) | Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 1.8GHz Intel Core i7-8550U; 8GB DDR4 SDRAM 1,866MHz; 128MB (dedicated) Intel HD Graphics 620; 256GB SSD |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 | Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 1.6GHz Intel Core i5-8250U; 8GB DDR4 SDRAM 1,866MHz; 128MB dedicated Intel UHD Graphics 620; 256GB |
| Acer Swift 7 | Microsoft Windows 10 Home (64-bit); 1.3GHz Intel Core i7-7Y75; 8GB DDR3 SDRAM 1,866MHz; 128MB dedicated Intel HD Graphics 615; 256GB SSD |
Advantage:MacBook Air 2018, by a hair
More vs. faster connections
In 2018, Apple finally gave the MacBook Air two USB-C ports -- a staple of modern Windows laptops. The upside: much faster connections that could output to two 4K screens (or one 5K display). In exchange, Apple took away nearly every other port the 2017 MacBook Air had: two USB 3, one Thunderbolt 2, a SDXC card slot and a DisplayPort, used to connect to an external monitor.
The new MacBook Air has only the two USB-C ports, one of which is used to connect its power adaptor, making a USB hub all but mandatory. It also means that the new model doesn't have the older model's MagSafe connector, which I love. If you accidentally trip on your power cord, it simply detaches -- instead of pulling your laptop off the table and on to the floor. I believe that this one feature has saved me hundreds, if not thousands, of dollars over the years.
Advantage:MacBook Air 2017
25 best battery life laptops
Battery life
Battery life has always been super solid on the MacBook Air though a number of Windows and Chrome-based laptops have pulled ahead. Still, among the 2017 and 2018 MacBook Air, battery life is basically a wash. You can expect 10-plus hours from both machines -- good enough for a full day or work and then some.
Video playback battery-drain test (streaming minutes)
| | Video playback battery-drain test (streaming minutes) |
|---|---|
| Dell XPS 13 (2018) | 738 |
| Microsoft Surface Laptop 2 | 671 |
| Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2018) | 646 |
| Apple MacBook (12-inch, 2017) | 626 |
| Apple MacBook Air (13-inch, 2017) | 610 |
| Acer Swift 7 | 561 |
| Apple MacBook Pro (13-inch, 2017) | 430 |
Advantage: Neither
Everything else
The new MacBook Air has a few other new noteworthy features. Touch ID, which lets you log in with your fingerprint, is handier and more secure than typing in a password. It also has three microphones compared to the older model's two. Both have stereo speakers, though the 2018 MacBook Air's are better positioned, running along each side of the keyboard. None of these are significant enough to sway a buying decision, but give the newer model a few bonus points.
Beyond that, the two models are largely the same. The new MacBook Air is a bit more compact and a few ounces lighter. But both have the same operating system, the same 720p FaceTime camera and the same 3.5mm headphone jack.
Advantage:MacBook Air 2018
The verdict
I'll concede that the MacBook Air 2018, on the strength of its superior Retina display and supremely elegant design, is the better laptop. But starting at $1,199, I don't believe that it's the better deal. That designation still belongs to the MacBook Air 2017 -- especially if you can find it for under $900 -- which retains critical advantages with its keyboard and connections.
The good news: depending on whether you're optimizing for performance or price, there's a MacBook Air for you.
FAQs
MacBook Air 2018 vs. MacBook Air 2017: Which one should you buy? ›
The Macbook Air 2017 is one of Apple's most popular.
Its build quality and operating system really nailed it. Combination of hardware and software make it one of the best on the market.
The Macbook Air 2017 is one of Apple's most popular.
Its build quality and operating system really nailed it. Combination of hardware and software make it one of the best on the market.
Beyond that, the two models are largely the same. The new MacBook Air is a bit more compact and a few ounces lighter. But both have the same operating system, the same 720p FaceTime camera and the same 3.5mm headphone jack.
Which is better MacBook Air 2018 or MacBook Pro 2017? ›The 2018 MacBook Air has a newer Core i5 processor than the 2017 13-inch MacBook Pro, but it's not as powerful. The MacBook Air uses Intel's "Y" series of chips, which don't use up as much power and don't get as hot as the Intel "U" series chips in the 13-inch MacBook Pro.
What is the difference between MacBook 2017 and 2018? ›The "Mid-2017" models use the "Kaby Lake" architecture whereas the "Mid-2018" models use the newer "Coffee Lake" architecture as well as newer processors with more cores, faster graphics processors, a newer system management chip (T2), and the option of more RAM and larger SSDs on some models.
Is MacBook Air 2017 still OK? ›The MacBook Air remains an excellent ultraportable choice for students and other macOS fans with basic computing needs, but despite killer battery life, it will disappoint power users with its low-resolution display and outdated processor. PCMag editors select and review products independently.
Is the MacBook Air 2017 still good in 2022? ›These older laptops include low-quality screens — the 2017 MacBook Air doesn't even have a Retina display — and users can actually see the individual pixels. That is unacceptable in 2022, and users will notice a difference coming from more recent devices, like newer smartphones.
Which is better MacBook Air 2017 or 2019? ›The 2019 MacBook Air is for sure better — improved keyboard, True Tone display, and faster performance despite same specs — but perhaps more important is that it starts at $1,099 instead of the previous $1,199. A hundred bucks might not seem like a lot.
How much was the MacBook Air 2017 when it came out? ›The Mid 2017 13-inch MacBook Air also has a 720p FaceTime HD camera, and the screen operates at 1440x900 resolution. Retail pricing starts at $999 USD and maxes out at $1,549 USD for the 2.2GHz, 8GB, 512GB SSD configuration.
How fast is a 2017 MacBook Air? ›2.2GHz dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz, with 4MB L3 cache.
Is MacBook Air 2018 still worth it? ›
It's absurdly thin, but it packs in a gorgeous 13-inch "Retina" display. It's got a smaller frame than ever before, but it's got the largest trackpad on any MacBook. Even the keyboard is brand new. After one year of living with Apple's newest MacBook Air, I remain convinced: It's worth the high price tag.
Is MacBook Air 2018 enough? ›If you just use your laptop for the basics, for low-demand apps, browsing, video streaming and so on, the MacBook Air performs perfectly. MacOS does not feel slow, and there's enough power to comfortably edit photos in a CPU-intensive application like Adobe Photoshop. Low-power CPUs have developed that far, at least.
When did Apple stop selling MacBook Air 2017? ›The 2017 model remained available for sale after Apple launched the next generation in 2018. It was discontinued in July 2019. Before its discontinuation it was Apple's last notebook with USB Type-A ports, a non-Retina display, and a backlit rear Apple logo.
How long will a 2017 Mac last? ›iMacs typically last between 3 to 8 years depending on how they are configured.
Is MacBook Air 2017 and 2018 same size? ›MacBook Air 2018: 0.41-1.56cm x 30.41cm x 21.24cm; 1.25kg. MacBook Air 2017: 0.3-1.7cm x 32.5cm x 22.7cm; 1.35kg.
What happened to the MacBook 2017? ›On April 19, 2016, Apple updated the MacBook with Skylake Core M processors, Intel HD 515 graphics, faster memory, longer battery life, faster storage and a new rose gold finish. On June 5, 2017, Apple updated the MacBook with Intel Kaby Lake m3, i5, and i7 processors (previously known as m3, m5, and m7).
Why is my MacBook Air 2017 dying so fast? ›Quit apps that you aren't using. Even an app you aren't using may be working in the background and consuming energy. Disconnect any accessories that you aren't using, such as external hard drives. Keep your software up to date.
How long can I use MacBook Air 2017? ›According to experts, a MacBook Air will last 7 years on average before needing to replace it. If you're using your MacBook Air for animation, photo editing, or gaming it will likely last a year or two less due to its RAM and storage limitations.
How long is MacBook Air 2017 supported? ›Taking a look at macOS compatibility (discussed below), we can see that most of the time, Macs are eligible to get the latest macOS version for about seven years. Apple generally supports each macOS version for three years. Third-party apps are a bit more lenient.
What year is the best MacBook Air? ›The MacBook Air M1 of 2020 was (and still is) considered one of the best MacBooks you can get. Its ultraportable, thin, and beautiful design, combined with its excellent performance, makes it a wise choice for creators, freelancers, or those who just want to have fun with their laptops.
Is the MacBook Air 2017 still good in 2021? ›
Yes the MacBookAir is an excellent choice. You can expect 8 more years of OS and security updates from Apple so your MacBook Air will be completely useful whereas other cheap alternatives will have fallen apart by then.
Is a 2017 MacBook Air good for college? ›Price: MacBook Air (2017)
A MacBook Air model from 2017 is still a pretty good Mac for students, even though it doesn't have a Retina display or Touch ID. And, of course, it being a few years old, you could argue that its processor is old or that storage space is limited.
Specifically, the 2019 model has average single-core and multi-core scores of 4,639 and 16,665 respectively based on eight Geekbench results, while the 2017 model averages 4,341 for single-core and 9,084 for multi-core.
How powerful is MacBook Air 2017? ›MacBook Air 2017 Processor (CPU) Performance Review
The Intel Core i5-5350U processor is a dual-core processor with a 3 MB cache memory. Also, it features a base frequency of 1.80 GHz and a maximum frequency of 2.90 GHz.
The bezels around the display have reduced compared to the MacBook Air (M1) model, the MacBook Air logo at the bottom of the screen has been removed for the new model and the speakers have been repositioned too. The keyboard also has full-height function keys on the 2022 MacBook Air, compared to half on the 2020 model.
What is the difference between MacBook and MacBook Air 2017? ›The Macbook Air is cheaper, smaller, lighter and more portable but has no DVD drive and much less storage capacity compared to the MacBook Pro. The MacBook Pro is more expensive but has a more powerful processor and more ports.
Can I charge my MacBook Air 2017 with USB? ›Connect a USB-C charge cable or a display that provides power. If your Mac has USB-C ports, you can charge your Mac with a USB-C charge cable and a USB-C power adapter or with a USB-C or Thunderbolt display that provides power.
Does MacBook Air 2017 have Bluetooth? ›Does My Mac Have Bluetooth? All modern Mac computers (released in 2011 or later) come with built-in support for Bluetooth. You don't need to buy anything special to use Bluetooth on your MacBook Pro, MacBook Air, or iMac.
Is a refurbished 2017 MacBook Air good? ›As long as you can wait a few months to pick up an Apple product, there's virtually no downside to purchasing a refurbished model. The quality is superb and the price savings can be worth the wait.
Does MacBook Air 2017 heat up? ›The board generates heat as it works, and that heat only has one route of escape. Apple simply didn't design these slimline laptops for processor-intensive tasks, which is why the MacBook Air gets hot so easily.
How much did a MacBook cost in 2017? ›
| Available Configurations | ||
|---|---|---|
| 13" (2.3GHz 8GB 256GB) Space Gray | $1,499.00 | $1,299.00 |
| 13" (2.3GHz 8GB 256GB) Silver | $1,499.00 | $1,398.00 |
| 13" (2.3GHz 8GB 512GB) Space Gray | $1,699.00 | n/a |
| 13" (2.3GHz 16GB 256GB) Space Gray | $1,699.00 | n/a |
Definitely not worth it. It's guaranteed that Apple will refresh this model sooner or later (probably sooner) and all Intel hardware has its days numbered where OS updates are concerned. Very likely you won't be able to update OS in 4 years or less, as all Intel hardware is on the way out with Apple.
How long should a 2018 MacBook Air last? ›On average, your MacBook Pro is expected to last 7.2 years and a MacBook Air for 5-7 years. However, the lifespan of your MacBook depends on what tasks you use your MacBook for, how frequently it is used, and how well you care for your battery and its components.
What are disadvantages of buying MacBook Air? ›- Software Support. ...
- Apple Silicon Macs Can't Run Windows. ...
- Limited Hardware Upgrades. ...
- Limited Storage Options. ...
- Webcam Quality. ...
- A Lack of Ports. ...
- Poor Gaming. ...
- Should You Still Buy a MacBook?
It depends on what you plan to do with it, of course. If you are simply going to be doing web browsing, checking email, and typing up essays, and doing basic research - it's fine. Anything remotely demanding, and you are straight up NOT going to have a good time.
Is the MacBook Air 2018 worth it in 2021? ›Yes, it worths buying a MacBook Air in 2021. And the best so far in the last production from Apple would be to have the MacBook Air with the Apple's M1 chip instead of the Intel. And this is the - MacBook Air with Apple M1 Chip (13-inch display, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) - Space Gray color(Latest Model).
What size MacBook Air is best? ›The best Mac laptop for most people is the 13-inch MacBook Air with Apple's M1 processor. It's more than fast enough for browsing, working on documents, and making light photo and video edits, and it has an excellent high-resolution screen, a great trackpad, a totally silent fanless design, and a reasonable price.
Is it good to buy a 2017 MacBook? ›The 2017 Macbook pro might be a bit outdated right now, but it's still got the specs that a light to mid user will be perfectly fine with. The entry level model doesn't have a touch bar, but it comes with a capable Intel Iris Plus 640 GPU, and a battery life that's long enough to get you through a day's work.
Which one is better MacBook Pro or Air? ›The MacBook Pro has a bigger, brighter and better display.
Another pretty significant difference between the newest MacBook Air and MacBook Pros is the display technology. The MacBook Air has a LCD Liquid Retina display, while the newest MacBook Pros have a mini-LED Liquid Retina XDR display.
| Model Identifier | MacBookAir7,2 |
|---|---|
| Model Number | A1466 (EMC 2925) |
| Part Number | MQD32LL/A |
| Family | 13-inch, Mid 2017 |
| Released | 2017 |
Is my 2017 Mac too old to update? ›
Apple advises that macOS Mojave will run on the following Macs: Mac models from 2012 or later. iMac Pro (from 2017) MacBook models from 2015 or later.
Should I update 2017 Mac? ›No matter which operating system you use, we always recommend updating it to the latest software. You get all the latest features, as well as any security patches and software fixes. Updating your Mac to the latest software keeps your system safe and secure.
Which year Mac is the best? ›The best years for a used Macbook Pro are 2014 and 2015, or 2020 and 2021 if a more recent model is in your budget. Typically, you'll want to avoid Macbook Pros from 2016 to 2018 as these are notorious for keyboard problems. Price-wise, Macbook Pros from 2014 and 2015 will be cheaper than a used Pro from 2020 or 2021.
Can we upgrade MacBook Air 2017 storage? ›This article answers the question if SSD present in 2017 model can be upgraded to a larger capacity without hurting one's pocket. There are many replacement options and guides available on the internet, there are mainly three options to upgrade: 1. Buy a third-party SSD with Apple's proprietary connector.
Can you upgrade memory MacBook Air 2017? ›Unfortunately, you can't upgrade RAM on any MacBook Air devices.
Will a 2017 MacBook Air case fit a 2018 MacBook Air? ›Because of its new, small size, the MacBook Air with Retina display should fit just fine if you use some sort of soft carrying case or bag. It might move around a little more inside your case, but it will fit.
Why is MacBook Air 2017 so popular? ›The Macbook Air 2017 is one of Apple's most popular.
Its build quality and operating system really nailed it. Combination of hardware and software make it one of the best on the market.
There are many things that could be causing your MacBook to overheat. One of the most common reasons is something could be blocking the vents, or that you've placed it near another device that generates heat.
Why can't i update my Mac 2017? ›What to Do if Your Mac Won't Update. If you're having issues updating your Mac, make sure that you have enough RAM and storage space to download the update. You can also try restarting your computer and downloading the update manually. Finally, try booting in safe mode or repairing your hard drive in Disk Utility.
Is MacBook Air 2017 still good in 2023? ›After 5 years or so you're MacBook Air should still be in good shape… but will likely need a new battery. I personally wouldn't upgrade to a new laptop if the only issue I predict to have in the next few years is a battery that is draining quickly. A new laptop is likely unnecessary when the battery is the only issue.
How long will the MacBook Air 2017 be supported? ›
It would likely receive macOS updates until 2026. The OS released in 2026 would receive support from Apple until 2029, and most third-party tools until at least 2031.
Which is better M1 or M2 MacBook Air? ›The MacBook Air M2 is the better laptop, but the MacBook Air M1 is close behind. If you can afford to spend $200 to $350 more, the MacBook Air M2 is the better pick. It has a separate charging port, a brighter screen, a better webcam and keyboard, significantly more battery life, and slightly more performance power.
What year is the last MacBook Air? › Can I update my MacBook Air 2017? ›Use Software Update
From the Apple menu in the corner of your screen, choose System Settings or System Preferences. If you chose System Settings, click General on the left side of the window. Then click Software Update on the right. If you chose System Preferences, click Software Update in the window.
How much does a MacBook Air 2017 - 13" cost? MacBook Air 2017 - 13" prices start at $247 and cost $291 on average as of April 2023. MacBook Air 2017 - 13" prices will continue to get cheaper over time. Apple phones hold their value well, but prices will continue to drop as time passes and new models are announced.
Is it a good idea to buy a used MacBook Air? ›Buying a used Mac can save you some money, but there are some important things to look out for. Be sure to test a used Mac — make sure the screen doesn't have dead pixels and that the ports work, among other operational aspects. You should also verify the Mac's specs and ensure the battery is in good condition.
Is MacBook Air 2017 good for school? ›A MacBook Air model from 2017 is still a pretty good Mac for students, even though it doesn't have a Retina display or Touch ID. And, of course, it being a few years old, you could argue that its processor is old or that storage space is limited.
How often should you replace your MacBook Air? ›This means that in general, you can expect at least 10 solid years of life from a Mac, barring any unforeseen hardware issues. Now let's look at some signs your Mac is at the end of its life.
Can a 2017 Mac be updated? ›macOS Catalina compatibility
Catalina arrived in October 2019, and the latest version is macOS 10.15.7 with Security Update 2022-05 and can run on the following Macs: MacBook (2015 to 2017) MacBook Air (Mid-2012 to 2019) MacBook Pro (Mid-2012 to 2019)