MacBook Air 13” 2017 vs. MacBook Air 13” 2015: Which is better?

Here is a side by side comparison between MacBook Air 13” 2017 and MacBook Air 13” 2015 specs including CPU, RAM, storage, battery, display, and more.

MacBook Air 13” 2017 Pros

Reasons that MacBook Air 13” 2017 is better than MacBook Air 13” 2015.

Newer manufacturing

2017 vs. 2015

MacBook Air 13” 2015 Pros

We couldn't find any advantages of MacBook Air 13” 2015 over MacBook Air 13” 2017.

Key Similars

Similar characteristics share between MacBook Air 13” 2017 and MacBook Air 13” 2015.

Supports the same maximum memory size of up to 8GB

Both laptops supports up to 8GB of system memory.

Max system memory size
MacBook Air 13” 2017
8 GB
MacBook Air 13” 2015
8 GB
Uses the same memory type and speed

Both laptops supports the same 1600MHz LPDDR3 RAM.

Memory type and speed
MacBook Air 13” 2017 - LPDDR3
1,600 MHz
MacBook Air 13” 2015 - LPDDR3
1,600 MHz

Prices

Here are the latest price updates and offers for both devices.

MacBook Air 13” 2017 Price
Apple 13in MacBook Air (2017 Newest Version) 1.8GHz Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD (Renewed)
Apple 13in MacBook Air (2017 Newest Version) 1.8GHz Core i5 CPU, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD (Renewed)
By Apple
$239.00
$255.00 6% OFF
2017 Apple Macbook Air with 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD Storage) (QWERTY English) Silver (Renewed)
2017 Apple Macbook Air with 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD Storage) (QWERTY English) Silver (Renewed)
By Apple
$241.92
$289.99 17% OFF
Mid 2017 Apple MacBook Air with 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) Silver (Renewed)
Mid 2017 Apple MacBook Air with 1.8GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD) Silver (Renewed)
By Apple
$274.74
$290.00 5% OFF
MacBook Air 13” 2015 Price
Early 2015 Apple MacBook Air with 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 (13.3 inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB) Silver (Renewed)
Early 2015 Apple MacBook Air with 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 (13.3 inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB) Silver (Renewed)
By Apple
$229.82
$285.00 19% OFF
Early 2015 Apple MacBook Air with 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) Silver (Renewed)
Early 2015 Apple MacBook Air with 1.6GHz Intel Core i5 (13-inch, 8GB RAM, 128GB SSD) Silver (Renewed)
By Apple
$219.99
$254.00 13% OFF
Early 2015 Apple MacBook Air with 1.6GHz Core i5 (13 Inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) Silver (Renewed)
Early 2015 Apple MacBook Air with 1.6GHz Core i5 (13 Inch, 8GB RAM, 256GB SSD Storage) Silver (Renewed)
By Apple
$259.99

Availability

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
Released20172015
Release Date
  • Available on June 6, 2017
  • Available on April 19, 2015
Pricing
  • $999
    Intel Core i5 5350U | 8GB RAM | 128GB SSD
  • $1,199
    Intel Core i5 5350U | 8GB RAM | 256GB SSD
  • $999
    Intel Core i5 5250U | 4GB RAM | 128GB SSD
  • $1,199
    Intel Core i5 5250U | 4GB RAM | 256GB SSD
Generations

Exterior

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
Dimensions12.8” x 8.94” x 0.11 - 0.68” (325 mm x 227 mm x 3 - 17 mm)12.8” x 8.94” x 0.11 - 0.68” (325 mm x 227 mm x 3 - 17 mm)
WeightStarting at 2.96 pounds (1.35 kg)Starting at 2.96 pounds (1.35 kg)
Colors
Silver
Silver
Keyboard and TrackpadFull-size backlit keyboard with:
  • 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement) with ambient light sensor
  • Multi-Touch trackpad for precise cursor control; supports inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities
Full-size backlit keyboard with:
  • 78 (U.S.) or 79 (ISO) keys, including 12 function keys and 4 arrow keys (inverted “T” arrangement) with ambient light sensor
  • Multi-Touch trackpad for precise cursor control; supports inertial scrolling, pinch, rotate, swipe, three-finger swipe, four-finger swipe, tap, double-tap, and drag capabilities

Display

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
Size13.3 Inches13.3 Inches
Info
  • Widescreen display
  • 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display with support for millions of colors
  • Supported resolutions: 1440 by 900 (native), 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
  • 13.3-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit glossy widescreen display with support for millions of colors
  • Supported resolutions: 1440 by 900 (native), 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

Ports

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
  • 1 x Thunderbolt 2 port
    Supports data transfers up to 20 Gbps.
  • 2 x USB 3.0 ports
    Supports data transfers up to 5 Gbps.
  • 1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack
  • 1 x SDXC card reader
  • 1 x MagSafe 2 power port
  • 1 x Thunderbolt 2 port
    Supports data transfers up to 20 Gbps.
  • 2 x USB 3.0 ports
    Supports data transfers up to 5 Gbps.
  • 1 x 3.5 mm headphone jack
  • 1 x SDXC card reader
  • 1 x MagSafe 2 power port

Internal Specs

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
Processor
  1. 5th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-5350U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 1.80 → 2.90 GHz, 3MB Cache, 15W
  2. 5th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-5350U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 2.20 → 3.10 GHz, 4MB Cache, 15W
  1. 5th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-5250U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 1.60 → 2.70 GHz, 3MB Cache, 15W
  2. 5th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-5350U
    2 cores, 4 threads, 2.20 → 3.10 GHz, 4MB Cache, 15W
Integrated Graphics
  1. 5th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-5350U
    Intel® HD Graphics 6000
    48 Execution Units, 300 → 1000 MHz
  2. 5th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-5350U
    Intel® HD Graphics 6000
    48 Execution Units, 300 → 1000 MHz
  1. 5th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-5250U
    Intel® HD Graphics 6000
    48 Execution Units, 300 → 950 MHz
  2. 5th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-5350U
    Intel® HD Graphics 6000
    48 Execution Units, 300 → 1000 MHz
Memory
4GB 8GB
 1600MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
4GB 8GB
 1600MHz LPDDR3 onboard memory
Storage
128GB 256GB
Configurable to 512GB flash storage.
128GB 256GB
Configurable to 512GB flash storage.

Connectivity

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
Wi-Fi
  • 802.11ac Wi‑Fi wireless networking
  • IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible
  • 802.11ac Wi‑Fi wireless networking
  • IEEE 802.11a/b/g/n compatible
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0 wireless technologyBluetooth 4.0 wireless technology

Battery

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
Size54 Wh lithium‑polymer battery54 Wh lithium‑polymer battery
Battery Life
  • Up to 12 hours wireless web
  • Up to 12 hours of iTunes movie playback
  • Up to 30 days standby time
  • Up to 12 hours wireless web
  • Up to 12 hours of iTunes movie playback
  • Up to 30 days standby time
Power Supply45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter
With cable management system; MagSafe 2 power port.
45W MagSafe 2 Power Adapter
With cable management system; MagSafe 2 power port.

Software

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
OSShipped with macOS MojaveShipped with macOS Sierra
Built-in Apps
Photos iMovie GarageBand Pages Numbers Keynote Siri Safari Mail FaceTime Messages Maps News Stocks Home Voice Memos Notes Calendar Contacts Reminders Photo Booth Preview iTunes Books App Store Time Machine
Photos iMovie GarageBand Pages Numbers Keynote Safari Mail FaceTime Messages Maps Notes Calendar Contacts Reminders iTunes iBooks App Store

Camera & Audio

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
Camera720p FaceTime HD camera720p FaceTime HD camera
Audio
  • Stereo speakers
  • Dual microphones
  • Headphone port
  • Support for Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone
  • Stereo speakers
  • Dual microphones
  • Headphone port
  • Support for Apple iPhone headset with remote and microphone

Misc

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
In the box
  • MacBook Air 13″
  • Power adapter
  • AC wall plug
  • Power cord
  • MacBook Air 13″
  • Power adapter
  • AC wall plug
  • Power cord
WarrantyLimited Warranty and ServiceYour MacBook Air comes with 90 days of free telephone support and a one-year limited warranty. Purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan to extend your service and support to three years from your computer’s purchase date. Only the AppleCare Protection Plan provides you with direct telephone support from Apple technical experts and the assurance that repairs will be handled by Apple-authorized technicians using genuine Apple parts. For more information, visit Apple Support or call 800-823-2775.Limited Warranty and ServiceYour MacBook Air comes with 90 days of free telephone support and a one-year limited warranty. Purchase the AppleCare Protection Plan to extend your service and support to three years from your computer’s purchase date. Only the AppleCare Protection Plan provides you with direct telephone support from Apple technical experts and the assurance that repairs will be handled by Apple-authorized technicians using genuine Apple parts. For more information, visit Apple Support or call 800-823-2775.
MoreVideo Support
  • Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 3840-by-2160 resolution at 60Hz on an external display, both at millions of colors
    • Thunderbolt digital video output
    • Native Mini DisplayPort output
    • VGA, HDMI, DVI, and dual-link DVI output using adapters (sold separately)
Video Support
  • Dual display and video mirroring: Simultaneously supports full native resolution on the built-in display and up to 2560 by 1600 pixels on an external display, both at millions of colors
  • Thunderbolt digital video output
    • Native Mini DisplayPort output
    • DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to DVI Adapter (sold separately)
    • VGA output using Mini DisplayPort to VGA Adapter (sold separately)
    • Dual-link DVI output using Mini DisplayPort to Dual-Link DVI Adapter (sold separately)
    • HDMI audio and video output using third-party Mini DisplayPort to HDMI Adapter (sold separately)

Key Features

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015
At Glance
Released in Mid
2017
16:10 WXGA+
13.3”
900p 60Hz
Weight
2.96 lb
1.34 kg
Up to
Intel Core i7-5650U
2C/4T, 2.20 → 3.10 GHz
Geekbench 5
737
Single Core
Geekbench 5
1,538
Multi-Core
With integrated
Intel® HD Graphics 6000
48 Execution Units, 300 → 1000 MHz
Up to
8GB
1600 MHz LPDDR3
Released in Mid
2015
16:10 WXGA+
13.3”
900p 60Hz
Weight
2.96 lb
1.34 kg
Up to
Intel Core i7-5650U
2C/4T, 2.20 → 3.10 GHz
Geekbench 5
737
Single Core
Geekbench 5
1,538
Multi-Core
With integrated
Intel® HD Graphics 6000
48 Execution Units, 300 → 1000 MHz
Up to
8GB
1600 MHz LPDDR3

Comparison Summary

MacBook Air 13” 2017 vs. MacBook Air 13” 2015

Apple has released the MacBook Air 13” 2017, a 13.3-inch machine, in mid-2017. It is powered by up to a dual-core Intel Core i7-5650U with a boost clock speed up to 3.10 GHz. The laptop has an integrated graphics option up to Intel® HD Graphics 6000 (48 Execution Units, 300 → 1000 MHz).

On the other hand, we have the 13.3-inch MacBook Air 13” 2015 was introduced by Apple about two years earlier in mid-2015. It comes with up to a dual-core Intel Core i7-5650U with a boost clock speed up to 3.10 GHz. It has an integrated graphics option up to Intel® HD Graphics 6000 (48 Execution Units, 300 → 1000 MHz).

Geekbench 5 Single Core

MacBook Air 13” 20171
5th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-5350U65488.74%
2
5th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-5350U737100.00%
MacBook Air 13” 20151
5th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-5250U61082.77%
2
5th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-5350U737100.00%
0737

Geekbench 5 Multi Core

MacBook Air 13” 20171
5th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-5350U1,35087.78%
2
5th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-5350U1,538100.00%
MacBook Air 13” 20151
5th Gen Intel® Core™ i5-5250U1,26682.31%
2
5th Gen Intel® Core™ i7-5350U1,538100.00%
01,538

Both MacBook Air 13” 2017 and MacBook Air 13” 2015 have the same 13.3-inch display size. In addition, they both have the same weight at 2.96 lbs. Moreover, measured at 12.8” x 8.94” x 0.68”, the MacBook Air 13” 2017 share the same chassis as the MacBook Air 13” 2015.

MacBook Air 13” 2017MacBook Air 13” 2015

Moving over to upgradability, you can't make any upgrades on both devices. All major components including memory and storage are soldered on to the motherboard. So make sure you get the specs that work best for your current and future workload.

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