Refurbished MacBook Air 2017
The Refurbished MacBook Air 2017 (13-inch) is the sweet spot for anyone wanting a reliable, affordable Mac laptop in the UK. A modest refresh of the 2015 design with a faster 1.8 GHz Intel Core i5 processor, 8GB RAM standard, and the same classic aluminium build with legendary all-day battery life. Every unit fully tested and covered by a 12-month UK warranty.
Why the 2017 MacBook Air is the value pick
Apple sold the 2017 MacBook Air brand new until 2019, making it one of the longest-running MacBook models. It kept the beloved scissor-switch keyboard (before the butterfly-keyboard issues), MagSafe 2 charging, USB-A and Thunderbolt 2 ports, and SD card slot. For everyday computing — email, web, Office, streaming, note-taking — it's still a fantastic choice.
Key specs
- Display: 13.3-inch LED-backlit (1440x900), matte anti-glare
- Processor: Intel Core i5 dual-core, 1.8 GHz (Turbo Boost to 2.9 GHz)
- Memory: 8GB LPDDR3 RAM (standard)
- Storage: 128GB or 256GB PCIe SSD
- Graphics: Intel HD Graphics 6000
- Battery: Up to 12 hours web browsing
- Ports: 2x USB 3.0, 1x Thunderbolt 2, MagSafe 2, SDXC card slot
- Weight: 1.35 kg
- OS support: macOS Big Sur (11) natively; Monterey/Ventura via OpenCore Legacy Patcher
What you get from Refurb Phone
- ✅ 50+ point functional test
- ✅ Minimum 85% battery health guarantee
- ✅ Latest supported macOS pre-installed
- ✅ Genuine MagSafe 2 charger included
- ✅ 12-month UK warranty
- ✅ Free next-day UK delivery
- ✅ 30-day no-quibble returns
- ✅ Transparent cosmetic grading (Premium / Very Good / Fair)
Frequently asked questions
Is a MacBook Air 2017 still good in 2026?
For everyday tasks — browsing, Microsoft Office, Zoom, Netflix, coursework, email — yes, it's still an excellent choice. It's not suitable for video editing, 3D work, or heavy Xcode development, but for the vast majority of users it does everything they need.
Is the MacBook Air 2017 or 2015 better?
The 2017 model has a slightly faster processor (1.8 GHz vs 1.6 GHz) and 8GB RAM as standard. Otherwise they're nearly identical. Choose the 2017 for a small performance edge; the 2015 if you can save £30-50.
How long will a refurbished MacBook Air 2017 last?
Realistically 3-5 more years of useful life. Apple's official software support ended with macOS Big Sur, but community projects (OpenCore Legacy Patcher) keep it running the latest macOS.
Do refurbished MacBook Airs come with new batteries?
Every 2017 MacBook Air we sell tests at 85% battery health or higher. If it's below that, we replace the battery before selling. You can check via Apple menu → About This Mac → System Report → Power.
Can I upgrade RAM or SSD on a MacBook Air 2017?
The 8GB RAM is soldered and can't be upgraded. The SSD is a proprietary connector but can be swapped for a larger third-party NVMe SSD with an adapter.
What macOS can a MacBook Air 2017 run?
Officially macOS Big Sur is the last supported version. Monterey, Ventura, Sonoma, and even Sequoia can be installed unofficially using OpenCore Legacy Patcher — a free, safe, well-maintained tool.
How much is a refurbished MacBook Air 2017 in the UK?
Typically £220-£320 depending on RAM, storage, and cosmetic grade. That's around 65-75% off the original £949 launch price.
Where can I buy a refurbished MacBook Air in the UK?
Refurb Phone offers UK-based refurbishing with full 12-month warranty and next-day delivery. Apple's own Certified Refurbished store sells refurbished MacBooks with smaller discounts (typically 15%) but limited stock. Always avoid Facebook Marketplace or unverified eBay sellers — no warranty means no protection.
Browse our full refurbished MacBook range or explore iPads and Apple Watches.
