Introduction: Is the 2019 MacBook Air Worth Buying in 2025?
The 2019 MacBook Air may look like a tempting bargain in 2025, especially with Certified Used or Refurbished models starting as low as $260+ according to UpTrade’s Price Tracker. On the surface, that’s a steep discount from its original $1,099+ launch price, making it an appealing choice for budget-conscious MacBook shoppers.
However, there’s more to the story. The 2019 MacBook Air carries some notable drawbacks — including the notorious butterfly keyboard issue and a lack of support for Apple’s latest macOS 26. For just a bit more money, you could step up to the M1 MacBook Air 2020, which offers better performance, longer battery life, and years of future-proof software support.
Price of MacBook Air 2019 in 2025
As of 2025, the Certified Used or Refurbished MacBook Air 2019 can be found starting at $260+ from certified resellers. This price might seem like an unbeatable deal, but when you compare it to the M1 MacBook Air 2020, which can sometimes drop to just $370+, the gap isn’t as large as it first appears.
Given that the M1 version delivers far superior performance, battery life, and macOS longevity, the small difference in price makes the 2019 model a tougher sell for most buyers. The savings may not be worth the trade-offs — especially if you plan to use your MacBook for several more years.
Performance Limitations of MacBook Air 2019
The 2019 MacBook Air runs on Intel’s 8th-generation dual-core Core i5 processor, paired with Intel UHD Graphics 617. While it was suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light office work at launch, it now struggles with more demanding workflows in 2025. Multitasking with heavy applications, editing large photos, or working with video files can feel noticeably sluggish compared to newer Apple Silicon models. The limited graphics performance and older architecture also mean shorter battery life and more heat compared to modern MacBooks.
Butterfly Keyboard Issue: A Big Reason to Avoid
One of the biggest reasons we don’t recommend the 2019 MacBook Air is its butterfly keyboard. This keyboard design, used by Apple from 2015 to early 2020, became infamous for its reliability problems. Keys could become sticky, unresponsive, or register double presses — often due to tiny dust particles getting under the mechanism. While Apple did offer a free replacement program, many refurbished models today may already be out of warranty, leaving you with a potentially expensive repair bill. If you want a worry-free typing experience, you’re better off with a model using Apple’s improved Magic Keyboard introduced in late 2020.
Software Support for 2019 MacBook Air in 2025
In 2025, the 2019 MacBook Air is already showing its age in terms of software compatibility. It will not receive macOS 26, meaning it’s stuck on older versions of macOS with only limited security updates. Missing out on major macOS releases not only means fewer features but also reduced compatibility with new apps over time. For users who value long-term usability and security, this lack of future updates is a significant drawback — and another reason to choose the M1 MacBook Air 2020 instead.
MacBook Air 2019 vs MacBook Air 2020 (M1)
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
MacBook Air 2019 |
MacBook Air 2020 (M1) |
| Launch Date |
July 2019 |
November 2020 |
| Processor |
Intel Core i5-8210Y (dual-core, 1.6GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.6GHz) |
Apple M1 (8-core CPU: 4 performance + 4 efficiency) |
| Graphics |
Intel UHD Graphics 617 |
Apple M1 integrated GPU (7-core or 8-core) |
| RAM |
8GB or 16GB LPDDR3 (2133MHz) |
8GB or 16GB unified memory |
| Storage |
128GB, 256GB, 512GB, 1TB SSD |
256GB, 512GB, 1TB, 2TB SSD |
| Display |
13.3" Retina, 2560×1600, True Tone |
13.3" Retina, 2560×1600, True Tone |
| Keyboard |
Butterfly Keyboard |
Magic Keyboard |
| Ports |
2× Thunderbolt 3 (USB-C), headphone jack |
2× Thunderbolt / USB 4, headphone jack |
| Battery Life (real-world) |
6–8 hours |
15–18 hours |
| Cooling |
Active cooling (fan) |
Passive cooling (fanless) |
| Weight |
2.75 lbs (1.25 kg) |
2.8 lbs (1.29 kg) |
| OS Support in 2025 |
Up to macOS 15 |
Supports macOS 26 and future updates |
| Current Price (Certified Used) |
$260+ |
$370+ |
Key Differences Explained
Performance
The 2019 MacBook Air’s Intel Core i5 processor is adequate for light computing tasks like browsing, email, and word processing, but it struggles with heavier apps and multitasking. The 2020 M1 MacBook Air is vastly more capable, with much faster single-core and multi-core performance, allowing it to run professional-grade software and handle demanding workflows without slowing down.
Battery Life
Battery longevity is one of the M1 MacBook Air’s strongest advantages. While the 2019 Intel model averages 6–8 hours in real-world usage, the M1 version delivers an impressive 15–18 hours on a single charge. This extended runtime makes it far more practical for students, business travelers, and remote workers.
Keyboard
The MacBook Air 2019 still uses Apple’s butterfly keyboard, which is known for sticky keys and costly repairs. The M1 model benefits from Apple’s redesigned Magic Keyboard, which offers better key travel, improved durability, and a much more comfortable typing experience.
Software Support
Software compatibility is a critical deciding factor. The 2019 MacBook Air is capped at macOS 15 and does not support macOS 26, meaning it will miss out on new features, improved security, and future app compatibility. The M1 MacBook Air supports macOS 26 and is expected to receive updates for years to come, making it far more future-proof.
Clarification
The MacBook Air 2020 came in two versions — an early 2020 Intel version and a late 2020 M1 version. Only the M1 version offers the significant performance, battery life, and software support improvements discussed above. The early 2020 Intel model shares many of the same drawbacks as the 2019 version and is not recommended.
Conclusion: Skip the 2019 MacBook Air — Go for the M1 Version
While the 2019 MacBook Air may look like a bargain at $260+, it comes with too many compromises for 2025 — limited performance, short battery life, no macOS 26 support, and the infamous butterfly keyboard issue.
For just about $110 more, you can get the Certified Refurbished 2020 MacBook Air (M1), which delivers huge gains in speed, efficiency, battery life, and future-proof software compatibility. If you want a MacBook that still feels modern and will serve you well for years, the M1 version is the clear winner.
FAQ: Buying the 2019 MacBook Air in 2025
1. How much does the 2019 MacBook Air cost in 2025?
Certified Used or Refurbished models start around $260+, depending on condition and storage.
2. Does the 2019 MacBook Air have the butterfly keyboard?
Yes. The 2019 model still uses Apple’s butterfly keyboard, which is known for reliability issues and expensive repairs.
3. Is the 2019 MacBook Air still supported by macOS updates?
No. It is limited to macOS 15 and will not receive macOS 26 or future feature updates.
4. How is the performance of the 2019 MacBook Air compared to newer models?
It’s fine for basic tasks like browsing and document work but struggles with heavy multitasking, professional software, and newer apps compared to M1 and later models.
5. Is it worth paying extra for the 2020 M1 MacBook Air instead?
Yes. For roughly $110 more, the M1 version offers much faster performance, longer battery life, a better keyboard, and ongoing macOS support.
6. Is the 2020 Intel MacBook Air a good alternative to the 2019 model?
Not really. The 2020 Intel version still has similar drawbacks — no macOS 26 support and shorter battery life. Only the late 2020 M1 version is recommended.
7. How long will the M1 MacBook Air 2020 be supported?
It is expected to receive macOS updates for several more years, keeping it secure and compatible with the latest apps.
8. Is a MacBook Air from 2019 still good?
Not for most buyers in 2025. While it can handle light tasks, its outdated hardware, lack of macOS 26 support, and problematic keyboard make it a poor long-term choice compared to the 2020 M1 version.
