Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.8 13" (Mid-2012) Specs
Identifiers: Mid-2012 - MD231LL/A - MacBookAir5,2 - A1466 - 2559
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The Apple MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.8 13" (Mid-2012/USB 3.0) features a 22-nm "Ivy Bridge" 1.8 GHz Intel "Core i5" processor (3427U) with two independent processor "cores" on a single chip, a 3 MB shared level 3 cache, 4 GB of onboard 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM (which cannot be upgraded after purchase), 128 GB or 256 GB of flash storage, and an "integrated" Intel HD Graphics 4000 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 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.0, analog audio out, a "Thunderbolt" port, two USB 3.0 ports, and an SDXC-capable SD card slot. It lacks internal Ethernet, although an external Thunderbolt adapter was offered as a US$29 option.
Compared to its predecessor, this model has a very similar external enclosure, although it has the aforementioned USB 3.0 ports and a new thinner and wider "MagSafe 2" power connector. Internally, however, it has a faster processor, architecture, graphics, RAM, and storage.
Also see:
- What are all the differences between the "Mid-2012" MacBook Air models?
- What are all the differences between the "Mid-2012" MacBook Air models and the "Mid-2011" MacBook Air that they replaced?
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- Tech Specs
- Ports
- Global Original Prices
- Popular Q&As
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 11, 2012 |
Discontinued Date: |
June 10, 2013 |
| Details: |
The "Introduction Date" refers to the date a model was introduced via press release. The "Discontinued Date" refers to the date a model either was replaced by a subsequent system or production otherwise ended.
Also see: All Macs introduced in 2012. |
| Processors: |
1 (2 Cores) |
Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| Geekbench 2 (32): |
6029 |
Geekbench 2 (64): |
6757 |
| 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 MacBookAir5,2 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): |
2303 |
Geekbench 3 (32): |
4598 |
| 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 MacBookAir5,2 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): |
2498 |
Geekbench 3 (64): |
5073 |
| 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 MacBookAir5,2 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): |
2660 |
Geekbench 4 (MC): |
5013 |
| 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 MacBookAir5,2 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): |
519 |
Geekbench 5 (MC): |
1129 |
| 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 MacBookAir5,2 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 (I5-3427U) |
| Details: |
This model is powered by a 22 nm, 64-bit Intel Mobile Core i5 "Ivy Bridge" (I5-3427U) 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 2.8 GHz for this model) -- and "Hyper Threading" -- which allows the system to recognize four total "cores" or "threads" (two real and two virtual).
Also see: How fast are the 'Mid-2012' MacBook Air models compared to one another and to earlier MacBook Air models? How fast are these models compared to the 13-Inch 'Mid-2012' MacBook Pro? |
| Turbo Boost: |
2.8 GHz |
Custom Speeds: |
2.0 GHz (Core i7) |
| Details: |
A 2.0 GHz Core i7 (I7-3667U) processor is available via custom order for the MD232LL/A configuration (which has 4 GB of RAM and 256 GB of flash storage by default) as a US$100 upgrade.
As requested by readers, EveryMac.com also has documented this custom configuration as its own model.
Also see: How much faster are the custom processor configured "Mid-2012" MacBook Air models than the stock models? Is the extra performance worth the extra cost? |
| Processor Upgrade: |
Soldered |
FPU: |
Integrated |
| System Bus Speed: |
5 GT/s* |
Cache Bus Speed: |
1.8 GHz (Built-in) |
| Details: |
*This system has a "Direct Media Interface" (DMI) that "connects between the processor and chipset" in lieu of a traditional system bus. Intel reports that it runs at 5 GT/s. |
| ROM/Firmware Type: |
EFI |
EFI Architecture: |
64-Bit |
| 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: |
DDR3L SDRAM* |
Min. RAM Speed: |
1600 MHz |
| Details: |
Shipped standard with 4 GB of 1600 MHz DDR3L SDRAM onboard. |
| Standard RAM: |
4 GB |
Maximum RAM: |
8 GB* |
| Details: |
*4 GB of RAM is onboard. It could be upgraded at the time of purchase to 8 GB as a US$100 option, but it cannot be upgraded later.
Also see: Actual Max RAM of All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Motherboard RAM: |
4 GB* |
RAM Slots: |
None |
| Details: |
*There are no RAM slots. 4 GB of RAM is onboard. It could be upgraded at the time of purchase to 8 GB as a US$100 option, but it cannot be upgraded later. |
| Video Card: |
HD Graphics 4000 |
VRAM Type: |
Integrated |
| Details: |
This model has an Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor that shares memory with the system. |
| Standard VRAM: |
384 MB* |
Maximum VRAM: |
512 MB* |
| Details: |
*Apple and Intel do not report the minimum memory usage for the Intel HD Graphics 4000 graphics processor. However, with 4 GB of RAM standard, 384 MB of memory is reserved for graphics use. With the 8 GB RAM upgrade, 512 MB of memory is reserved for graphics. |
| 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, 1024 by 640, and 800 by 500 pixels at 16:10 aspect ratio; 1024 by 768, 800 by 600, and 640 by 480 pixels at 4:3 aspect ratio; 720 by 480 pixels at 3:2 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: |
2560x1600 (x2) |
| Details: |
*Although Apple makes no mention of it, third-parties have discovered that this model can simultaneously support two external displays up to 2560x1600 "daisy chained" via Thunderbolt. |
| Standard Storage: |
128, 256 GB SSD |
Std. Storage Speed: |
184/203 MB/s* |
| Details: |
The MD231LL/A configuration has 128 GB of flash storage and the MD232LL/A configuration has 256 GB of flash storage. The higher-end MD232LL/A configuration also could be equipped with 512 GB of storage at the time of purchase. Originally, this storage upgrade was an additional US$500, but Apple lowered the price to US$300 on February 13, 2013. The storage is not intended to be upgraded after purchase, but it is quite possible.
*Third-party tests using the Blackmagic benchmark report write speeds of 184 MB/s and read speeds of 203 MB/s for Toshiba 128 GB SSDs in this notebook.
Also see: How do you replace or upgrade the storage in the "Mid-2012" 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.
In Australia, site sponsor Upgradeable sells storage upgrades for this MacBook Air.
Also see: SSD Compatibility Guide for All G3 & Later Macs. |
| Storage Dimensions: |
Proprietary |
Storage Interface: |
Proprietary* (6 Gb/s) |
| Details: |
*As first discovered by site sponsor OWC, the "Mid-2012" MacBook Air models use a different proprietary connector than previous models. It provides 6 Gb/s of bandwidth (SATA III). |
| 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, 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? |
| Standard Modem: |
None |
Standard Ethernet: |
None* |
| Details: |
*No MacBook Air models have an internal Ethernet port. However, for the "Mid-2012" models, 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: |
802.11a/b/g/n |
Standard Bluetooth: |
4.0 |
| Details: |
802.11n (802.11a/b/g capable as well) Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 standard.
Also see: What is 802.11n? How is it different from 802.11b, 802.11g, and 802.11a? |
| USB Ports: |
2 (3.0) |
Firewire Ports: |
None |
| Details: |
Two USB 3.0 ports (up to 5 Gbps), no Firewire ports.
Also see: What is the best USB 2.0 or 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: |
MD231LL/A |
Apple Subfamily: |
Mid-2012 |
| Details: |
The Apple order number should be unique to this system. |
| Apple Model No: |
A1466 (EMC 2559) |
Model ID: |
MacBookAir5,2 |
| Details: |
Please note that these identifiers refer to more than one model.
Also see: All Macs with the A1466 Model Number, the 2559 EMC Number, and the MacBookAir5,2 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: |
50 W h Li-Poly |
Battery Life: |
7 Hours |
| Details: |
Apple reports that this model has a "built-in 50-watt-hour lithium-polymer battery" and the company claims that it can provide up to 7 hours of "wireless web" use. Apple additionally notes that it provides "up to" 30 days of standby time. It is bundled with a 45W MagSafe 2 power adapter.
Also see: What is the battery life of the "Mid-2012" MacBook Air models in "real-world" usage tests?
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 10.7.4 (11E2520) |
Maximum MacOS: |
X 10.15.x* |
| Details: |
*This system fully supports the last version of OS X 10.8 "Mountain Lion," OS X 10.9 "Mavericks," and OS X 10.10 "Yosemite" as well as OS X 10.11 "El Capitan." It is capable of running macOS Sierra (10.12) as well, although it does not support the Auto Unlock feature. This model is capable of running macOS High Sierra (10.13), and 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) and the final version of macOS Catalina (10.15), as well. It does not support macOS Big Sur (macOS 11) or later versions of the macOS.
Also see: Which Macs are compatible with macOS Catalina (10.15)? What are the system requirements? What are the major new features? Has anything been removed from previous versions of the macOS? |
| Minimum Windows: |
7 (32-Bit)* |
Maximum Windows: |
10 (64-Bit)* |
| Details: |
*Apple's Boot Camp 4 supports the 32-bit version of Windows 7 on this model. Boot Camp 5 supports the 64-bit version of Windows 7 and 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$1199, US$1499* |
Est. Current Retail: |
US$100-US$200 |
| Details: |
*This MacBook Air originally was offered with 128 GB of flash storage (MD231LL/A) for US$1199 and 256 GB of flash storage (MD232LL/A) for US$1499. On February 13, 2013, Apple dropped the price of the high-end configuration by US$100, to US$1399.
Photo Credit: Apple, Inc. |
Global original prices for the MacBook Air "Core i5" 1.8 13" (Mid-2012) 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$1229, C$1529 |
Brazil: |
R$4.999, R$6.099 |
| Mexico: |
MXN $20,999, $25,999 |
United States: |
US$1199, US$1499* |
Original Prices - Europe
| Austria: |
€1249, €1549 |
Belgium: |
€1279, €1579 |
| Denmark: |
DKK 9,699, 12,099 |
Finland: |
€1299, €1599 |
| France: |
€1249, €1549 |
Germany: |
€1249, €1549 |
| Ireland: |
€1299, €1599 |
Italy: |
€1279, €1579 |
| Luxembourg: |
€1215,57, €1500,70 |
Netherlands: |
€1249, €1549 |
| Norway: |
NOK 9.990, 12.490 |
Portugal: |
€1299, €1599 |
| Spain: |
€1249, €1549 |
Sweden: |
SEK 11.795, 14.795 |
| Switzerland: |
CHF 1'349, 1'699 |
United Kingdom: |
£999, £1249 |
Original Prices - Asia
| China: |
RMB 8,888, 10,988 |
Hong Kong: |
HK$9,188, HK$11,488 |
| India: |
Rs 81,900, 99,900 |
Indonesia: |
Rp 11,999,000, 14,999,000 |
| Japan: |
¥102,800, ¥128,800 |
Korea: |
KRW 1,589,000, 1,990,000 |
| Malaysia: |
RM 3,699, 4,599 |
The Philippines: |
PHP 57,990, 72,990 |
| Singapore: |
S$1,688, S$2,088 |
Taiwan: |
NT$37,900, NT$47,900 |
| Thailand: |
THB 39,900, 49,900 |
Vietnam: |
VND 27,499,000, 34,499,000 |
Original Prices - Australia & New Zealand
| Australia: |
A$1349, A$1689 |
New Zealand: |
NZ$1899, NZ$2399 |
If you have additional original prices for this model, please get in touch. Thank you.
Ten of the most popular Q&As about the MacBook Air models follow.
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1 (Thunderbolt) 
None 
None 
None 
None
None
2 (3.0)
None
None
None
None
1 (Internal)
None
None*
1*
None
None
N/A
1