- Testing conducted by Apple in October 2020 using preproduction MacBook Air systems with the Apple M1 chip and an 8‑core GPU, configured with 8GB of RAM and a 512GB SSD. The wireless web test measures battery life by wirelessly browsing 25 popular websites with display brightness set to eight clicks from the bottom.
- Aug 12, 2020 Configure your MacBook Air to order with these options, only at apple.com: 2.2GHz dual-core Intel Core i7, Turbo Boost up to 3.2GHz, with 4MB L3 cache 256GB or 512GB SSD MacBook Air and the Environment.
Very good (90%) Apple MacBook Air 2020 i3 Intel Core i3-1000NG4 Iris Plus Graphics G4 (Ice Lake 48 EU) Subnotebook -v7 Test device courtesy of cyberport.de Download your licensed.
Apple MacBook Air 'Core i5' 1.8 13' (2017*) Specs
Identifiers: 13-inch, 2017** - MQD32LL/A* - MacBookAir7,2 - A1466 - 3178
All MacBook Air Models | All 2017 Models | Dynamically Compare This Mac to Others
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On June 5, 2017, Apple quietly updated the MacBook Air 'Core i5' 1.6 13' (Early 2015) with a modestly faster 14-nm 'Broadwell ULT' 1.8 GHz Intel 'Core i5' processor (5350U). This model otherwise is identical to late configurations of its predecessor apart from some identifiers.
The Apple MacBook Air 'Core i5' 1.8 13-Inch (2017/Broadwell) features a 14-nm 'Broadwell ULT' 1.8 GHz Intel 'Core i5' processor (5350U) with two independent processor 'cores' on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 8 GB of onboard 1600 MHz LPDDR3 SDRAM, 128 GB or 256 GB of 4 Lane PCIe-based flash storage (256 GB discontinued as a standard configuration on October 30, 2018, although subsequently offered as a custom option), and an 'integrated' Intel HD Graphics 6000 graphics processor that shares system memory.
This all is packed in a razor thin 0.11-0.68 inch), 2.96 pound, aluminum case with an integrated 720p 'FaceTime HD' webcam, a backlit full-size keyboard and a 13.3' widescreen TFT LED backlit active-matrix 'glossy' display (1440x900 native resolution).
Connectivity includes 802.11ac Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, analog audio out, a single 'Thunderbolt' 2 port, two USB 3.0 ports, and an SDXC-capable SD card slot.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the 'Early 2015/Mid-2017' MacBook Air models? Which is the best choice for my needs?
- What are all the differences between the 'Early 2015/Mid-2017' MacBook Air models and the 'Early 2014' MacBook Air that they replaced?
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- Tech Specs
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Click on a category for related details. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important. Asterisks (*) reference data in details fields.
| Introduction Date: | June 5, 2017 | Discontinued Date: | July 9, 2019* |
| Details: | The 'Introduction Date' typically refers to the date a model was introduced via press release, although no press release was issued for this model. The 'Discontinued Date' refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended
*The MQD42LL/A configuration with 256 GB of storage was discontinued as a standard configuration on October 30, 2018, but this model still could be configured with a 256 GB SSD by custom configuration. This MacBook Air was discontinued for consumers entirely on July 9, 2019, but remained available for purchase by educational institutions.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2017. |
| Details: | Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort. |
| Details: | Geekbench 2 benchmarks are in 32-bit and 64-bit modes, respectively. These numbers reflect an average of user provided 32-bit and 64-bit results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit and 64-bit Geekbench 2 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir7,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 2 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 32-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 32-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir7,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 32-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 3 benchmarks are in 64-bit mode and are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all 64-bit single core and multicore Geekbench 3 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir7,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare 64-bit Geekbench 3 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 4 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 4 benchmarks are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 4 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir7,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 4 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Details: | These Geekbench 5 benchmarks are are for a single processor core and all processor cores, respectively. All Geekbench 5 benchmarks for the Mac are 64-bit. Both numbers reflect an average of user provided results as submitted to the Geekbench website. Higher numbers are better.
You also might be interested in reviewing all single core and multicore Geekbench 5 user submissions for Macs with the MacBookAir7,2 Model Identifier, which may include multiple models.
To dynamically compare Geekbench 5 results from different Macs side-by-side, see EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Comparison. |
| Processor Speed: | 1.8 GHz | Processor Type: | Core i5 (I5-5350U) |
| Details: | This model is powered by a 14 nm, 64-bit 'Fifth Generation' Intel Mobile Core i5 'Broadwell ULT' (I5-5350U) processor which includes two independent processor 'cores' on a single silicon chip. Each core has a dedicated 256k level 2 cache, shares 3 MB of level 3 cache, and has an integrated memory controller (dual channel).
This system also supports 'Turbo Boost 2.0' -- which 'automatically increases the speed of the active cores' to improve performance when needed (up to 2.9 GHz for this model) -- and 'Hyper Threading' -- which allows the system to recognize four total 'cores' or 'threads' (two real and two virtual). |
| Turbo Boost: | 2.9 GHz | Custom Speeds: | 2.2 GHz (Core i7) |
| Details: | A 2.2 GHz Core i7 (I7-5650U) processor was available via custom order as a US$150 upgrade.
As requested by readers, EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model. |
| System Bus Speed: | OPI* | Cache Bus Speed: | 1.8 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: | *This system does not have a traditional system bus or a 'Direct Media Interface' (DMI) to connect between the processor and chipset. Instead, it uses a directly attached 'On Package Interface' (OPI). |
| L1 Cache: | 32k/32k x2 | L2/L3 Cache: | 256k x2, 3 MB (on chip) |
| Details: | Each core has its own dedicated 256k level 2 cache and the system has 3 MB of shared level 3 cache. |
| Details: | *Shipped standard with 8 GB of 1600 MHz 'Low Power' LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard. |
| Details: | *8 GB of RAM is onboard. It cannot be upgraded later.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Details: | *There are no RAM slots. 8 GB of RAM is onboard. It cannot be upgraded further at the time of purchase or otherwise. |
| Details: | This model has an Intel HD Graphics 6000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. |
| Details: | The Intel HD Graphics 6000 processor reserves up to 1.5 GB of system memory for video function. |
| Built-in Display: | 13.3' Widescreen | Native Resolution: | 1440x900 |
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| Details: | 13.3' color widescreen TFT LED-backlit active-matrix 'glossy' display with a 1440 by 900 native resolution. Apple reports that it also supports '1280 by 800, 1152 by 720, and 1024 by 640 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio and 1024 by 768 and 800 by 600 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio'.
In the UK, site sponsor ALB Repair offers component-level logic board repair, display repair, and other repair services for this MacBook Air. No fix, no fee!
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In Spain, site sponsor iRepairs provides affordable repair and data recovery services. In-person and by mail repair services include the display, battery, keyboard, motherboard, and more for this MacBook Air.
In Singapore, site sponsor Esmond Service Centre provides highly regarded repairs for the display, motherboard, battery, water damage issues, and more, all with a free estimate and fast turnaround for this MacBook Air. |
| 2nd Display Support: | Dual/Mirroring* | 2nd Max. Resolution: | 3840x2160 (4K)* |
| Details: | *Although Apple originally only reported that this model could support a single external display up to 2560x1600, third-parties discovered that it actually could support a 3840x2160 (4K) display, and Apple subsequently revised their official documentation to confirm this, as well. |
| Standard Storage: | 128, 256 GB SSD | Std. Storage Speed: | N/A |
| Details: | The MQD32LL/A and MQD42LL/A configurations of this model have 128 GB and 256 GB of flash storage, respectively. The MQD42LL/A configuration with 256 GB of storage was discontinued as a standard configuration on October 30, 2018, but the 128 GB option still could be configured with a 256 GB SSD by custom configuration.
Originally, the entry-level MQD32LL/A configuration could be upgraded to 512 GB of storage for US$400 and the higher-end MQD42LL/A configuration could be upgraded to 512 GB of storage for only US$200. On October 30, 2018, Apple discontinued the stock 256 GB option and added 256 GB of storage as a US$200 upgrade option for the entry-level model.
Apple does not intend for one to upgrade the storage after purchase, but it is quite possible.
Also see: How do you replace or upgrade the storage in the 'Early 2015' MacBook Air models? Is it even possible?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.
In Canada, site sponsor CanadaRAM sells SSDs and other upgrades for this MacBook Air.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: | Proprietary | Storage Interface: | Proprietary* (PCIe 2.0 x4) |
| Details: | *The SSD in this model uses a proprietary PCIe 2.0 x4 interface. |
| Details: | *MacBook Air models do not have an internal optical drive. Site sponsor Adorama offers the external Apple USB SuperDrive for US$79. It writes DVD+R DL and DVD-R DL at 4X, DVD-R and DVD+R at 8X, DVD-RW at 6X, DVD+RW at 8X, reads DVD at 8X, writes CD-R at 24X, writes CD-RW at 16X, and reads CD at 24X.
Site sponsor Other World Computing also has a variety of compact external optical drive options that may be of interest, including some with Blu-ray capability.
Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive available for the MacBook Air? Can it be used with other Macs? |
| Details: | *No MacBook Air models have an internal Ethernet port. However, an Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter is offered for US$29.
Also see: What official and third-party adapters are available to connect the MacBook Air to wired Ethernet networks? |
| Details: | 802.11ac Wi-Fi (802.11a/b/g/n compatible) and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.
Also see: What is 802.11ac? How is it different from 802.11a, 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11n? |
| Details: | Two USB 3.0 ports (up to 5 Gbps).
Also see: What is the best USB 3.0 hub to use with the MacBook Air while traveling? |
| Details: | This model has an SDXC Card slot.
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells a wide variety of external accessories, including docks, adapters, input devices, cases, and more for this MacBook Air.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit offers an extensive selection of external accessories like docks, stands, chargers, cases, security products, and more for this MacBook Air.
Also see: Which SD Card slot storage solution is best for the MacBook Air? Which models are compatible? Is this kind of storage safe? |
| Incl. Keyboard: | Full-size | Incl. Input: | Trackpad (Inertial) |
| Details: | Apple reports that the integrated keyboard has '78 (US) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys, 4 arrow keys (inverted 'T' arrangement) with ambient light sensor.'
The multi-touch trackpad supports 'inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities.'
Also see: What are the differences between the trackpads in different MacBook Air models? |
| Details: | This MacBook Air uses a razor thin aluminum case design with a 'catchless' magnetic latch. |
| Apple Order No: | MQD32LL/A* | Apple Subfamily: | 13-inch, 2017** |
| Details: | *MQD32LL/A refers to the configuration with 128 GB of flash storage and MQD42LL/A refers to the configuration with 256 GB. MQD42LL/A was discontinued on October 30, 2018.
**This model was introduced on June 5, 2017. Apple refers to this model as the 'MacBook Air (13-Inch, 2017),' but it is identical to the 'Early 2015' models apart from its processor and identifiers. |
| Apple Model No: | A1466 (EMC 3178) | Model ID: | MacBookAir7,2 |
| Details: | Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1466 Model Number, the 3178 EMC Number, and the MacBookAir7,2 Model Identifier.
For more about these identifiers and how to locate them on each Mac, please refer to EveryMac.com's Mac Identification section. |
| Details: | Apple reports that this model can provide up to 12 hours of 'wireless web' and up to 12 hours of 'iTunes movie playback.' Apple additionally reports that it provides 'up to' 30 days of standby time. The system is bundled with a 45W MagSafe 2 power adapter.
Also see: What is the battery life of the 'Early 2015' MacBook Air models in 'real-world' usage tests? Is it really as long as Apple claims?
In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells quality batteries for this MacBook Air.
In the UK, site sponsor Flexx is a local distributor of OWC batteries for this MacBook Air.
In Australia, site sponsor Macfixit is a local distributor of OWC batteries for this MacBook Air. |
| Pre-Installed MacOS: | X 10.12.5 (16F73) | Maximum MacOS: | Current* |
| Details: | *This model is fully supported by the last version of macOS Sierra (10.12) and macOS High Sierra (10.13), also. Running macOS High Sierra (10.13), it supports HEVC (High-Efficiency Video Coding), but it does not support hardware accelerated HEVC.
This model is compatible with the final version of macOS Mojave (10.14), the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15), and the current version of macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Big Sur (macOS 11)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? |
| Minimum Windows: | 8 (64-Bit)* | Maximum Windows: | 10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: | *The pre-installed version of Apple's Boot Camp BCA supports the 64-bit version of Windows 8. Boot Camp 6 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 10. Earlier versions of Windows are not supported. |
| MacOS 9 Support: | None | Windows Support: | Boot/Virtualization |
| Details: | Also see: Are there any third-party programs to run Mac OS 9/Classic applications on Intel Macs?
Site sponsor OHS specializes in heavily upgraded Macs capable of running both Mac OS X and Mac OS 9 applications.
For more on running Windows on Intel Macs, please refer to the exhaustive Windows on Mac Q&A. |
| Dimensions: | .11-.68 x 12.8 x 8.94 | Avg. Weight: | 2.96 lbs (1.35 kg) |
| Details: | In inches while closed - minimum height to maximum height by width by depth, (0.3 cm-1.7 cm, 32.5 cm, 22.7 cm). |
| Original Price (US): | US$999, US$1199* | Est. Current Retail: | US$550-US$750 |
| Details: | *This MacBook Air originally was offered with 128 GB of flash storage for US$999 and 256 GB of flash storage for US$1199. On October 30, 2018, Apple discontinued the stock 256 GB option.
Please note that on average the estimated current retail pricing of used systems is updated twice a year (please refer to the date on the bottom of the page for the date last updated).
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Click on a category for additional details. The most commonly needed info is 'open' by default, but all info is important. The icons correspond with the icons for each port on the computer.
| Video (Monitor): | 1 (Thunderbolt 2) | Floppy (Ext.): | None |
| Details: | This model is equipped with one Thunderbolt 2 port. Thunderbolt 2 is backwards-compatible with Thunderbolt and Mini DisplayPort-equipped displays as well as adapters that are compatible with Mini DisplayPort (DVI, VGA, dual-link DVI and HDMI). It also can support other peripherals that use the Thunderbolt or Thunderbolt 2 standard.
Also see: What is 'Thunderbolt'? Is it an industry standard? What advantages does it offer? Are there any disadvantages? |
| Details: | Two USB 3.0 ports (up to 5 Gbps).
Also see: What is the best USB 3.0 hub to use with the MacBook Air while traveling? |
| Details: | No internal modem or Ethernet. External Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter offered for US$29. |
