Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.8 13" (2017*) Specs

Identifiers: 13-inch, 2017** - MQD32LL/A* - MacBookAir7,2 - A1466 - 3178

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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
• Ports
• Global Original Prices
• Popular Q&As

Tech Specs

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.

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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 for a while longer. Also see: All Macs introduced in 2017.

Processors:

1 (2 Cores)

Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

Also see: All models with a 64-Bit processor courtesy of EveryMac.com's Ultimate Mac Sort.

Geekbench 2 (32):

6965

Geekbench 2 (64):

7848

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.

Geekbench 3 (32):

2710

Geekbench 3 (32):

5446

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.

Geekbench 3 (64):

3133

Geekbench 3 (64):

6342

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.

Geekbench 4 (SC):

3353

Geekbench 4 (MC):

6274

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.

Geekbench 5 (SC):

666

Geekbench 5 (MC):

1368

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.

Processor Upgrade:

Soldered

FPU:

Integrated

Details:

N/A

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).

ROM/Firmware Type:

EFI

EFI Architecture:

64-Bit

Details:

N/A

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.

RAM Type:

LPDDR3 SDRAM*

Min. RAM Speed:

1600 MHz

Details:

*Shipped standard with 8 GB of 1600 MHz "Low Power" LPDDR3 SDRAM onboard.

Standard RAM:

8 GB*

Maximum RAM:

8 GB*

Details:

*8 GB of RAM is onboard. It cannot be upgraded later. Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs.

Motherboard RAM:

8 GB*

RAM Slots:

None

Details:

*There are no RAM slots. 8 GB of RAM is onboard. It cannot be upgraded further at the time of purchase or otherwise.

Video Card:

HD Graphics 6000

VRAM Type:

Integrated

Details:

This model has an Intel HD Graphics 6000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system.

Standard VRAM:

1.5 GB

Maximum VRAM:

1.5 GB

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

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 US, site sponsor AppleParts.io offers mail-in repair services, as well as parts for do-it-yourself repair for this this MacBook Air. 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! 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 Hong Kong, site sponsor iCertified provides well-reviewed repair services for the display, logic board, battery, water damage, and more, all with a 180-day warranty; free diagnostics and estimates; and optional pickup and delivery 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 internal 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. By default, it also has a drive installed that fully utilizes PCIe 2.0 x4.

Standard Optical:

None*

Standard Disk:

None

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. Also see: What are the full capabilities of the external SuperDrive available for the MacBook Air? Can it be used with other Macs?

Standard Modem:

None

Standard Ethernet:

None*

Details:

*No MacBook Air models have an internal Ethernet port. However, an Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter is available. Also see: What official and third-party adapters are available to connect the MacBook Air to wired Ethernet networks?

Standard AirPort:

802.11ac*

Standard Bluetooth:

4.0

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?

USB Ports:

2 (3.0)

Firewire Ports:

None

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?

Expansion Slots:

SD Card (SDXC)

Expansion Bays:

None

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. 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?

Case Type:

Notebook

Form Factor:

MacBook Air 13"

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.

Battery Type:

54 W h Li-Poly

Battery Life:

12 Hours

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 and Ireland, site sponsor Flexx sells quality batteries for this MacBook Air.

Pre-Installed MacOS:

X 10.12.5 (16F73)

Maximum MacOS:

12.x (Monterey)*

Details:

*This model fully supports the last version of macOS Sierra (10.12) and macOS High Sierra (10.13). Running macOS High Sierra (10.13) or later, 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 final version of macOS Big Sur (macOS 11), as well. It additionally supports the final version of macOS Monterey (macOS 12), but it does not support Universal Control, AirPlay to Mac or Low Power Mode in addition to the more minor Spatial Audio, Portrait Mode, 3D Landmarks, and Interactive Globe features. It does not support macOS Ventura (macOS 13) or later. Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Monterey (macOS 12)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Do all features work with all supported Macs?

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? 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$200-US$300

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. Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

Ports

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.

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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. In the US (and many other countries), site sponsor Other World Computing sells Thunderbolt docks and external drives compatible with this Mac and just about all others. Also see: What is "Thunderbolt"? Is it an industry standard? What advantages does it offer? Are there any disadvantages?

ADB:

None

SCSI:

None

Details:

N/A

Serial (Standard):

None

Serial (Geoport):

None

Details:

N/A

USB:

2 (3.0)

Firewire:

None

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?

Modem:

None

Ethernet:

None

Details:

No internal modem or Ethernet. External Apple Thunderbolt to Gigabit Ethernet adapter offered for US$29.

S-Video Input:

None

S-Video Output:

None

Details:

N/A

Microphone:

2 (Internal)

Sound In:

None

Details:

Dual internal microphones.

Sound Out:

None*

Headphone:

1*

Details:

*Single analog audio output/headphone jack. Supports Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone.

Security (Lock):

None

Joystick (PC):

None

Details:

N/A

Power:

N/A

Power Adapter:

1

Details:

100V-240V AC, 45W "MagSafe 2" power adapter.

Global Original Prices

Global original prices for the MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.8 13" (2017*) in 34 different countries and territories follow; organized alphabetically by region.

For global original prices for Intel Macs in one particular country on a single page, please refer to EveryMac.com's Global Original Prices section.

Original Prices - North & South America

Canada:

C$1199, C$1449

Brazil:

R$7.499, R$8.899

Mexico:

MXN $22,999, $27,999

United States:

US$999, US$1199*

Original Prices - Europe

Austria:

€1099, €1349

Belgium:

€1099, €1349

Denmark:

DKK 8,799, 10,499

Finland:

€1129, €1379

France:

€1099, €1349

Germany:

€1099, €1349

Ireland:

€1129, €1379

Italy:

€1129, €1379

Luxembourg:

€1062,66, €1304,41

Netherlands:

€1099, €1349

Norway:

NOK 10.790, 12.990

Portugal:

€1129, €1379

Spain:

€1099, €1349

Sweden:

SEK 10.995, 13.295

Switzerland:

CHF 1'079, 1'279

United Kingdom:

£949, £1099

Original Prices - Asia

China:

RMB 6,988, 8,488

Hong Kong:

HK$7,488, HK$8,988

India:

Rs 80,900, 96,900

Indonesia:

Rp 16,499,000, 19,499,000

Japan:

¥98,800, ¥118,800

Korea:

KRW 1,250,000, 1,490,000

Malaysia:

RM 4,199, 4,999

The Philippines:

PHP 53,990, 63,990

Singapore:

S$1,328, S$1,618

Taiwan:

NT$31,900, NT$37,900

Thailand:

THB 35,900, 42,900

Vietnam:

VND 23,880,000, 28,680,000

Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand

Australia:

A$1499, A$1799

New Zealand:

NZ$1649, NZ$1999

If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.

Popular Q&As

Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Air models follow.

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