No, the 2017 MacBook Air does not feature a touch screen display.
Apple's MacBook Air models, including the specific 2017 iteration, have consistently been designed without touch screen capabilities. This approach aligns with Apple's long-standing philosophy for its macOS-based laptop line. Like all other Macs, the MacBook Air lacks a touch screen. This design decision differentiates them from other computing devices and tablets, such as the iPad, which are specifically built around touch input.
Key Characteristics of the 2017 MacBook Air Display
The display of the 2017 MacBook Air, while offering crisp visuals, was primarily designed for interaction via the integrated trackpad and keyboard. Key aspects include:
- Non-Touch Display: The screen relies entirely on traditional cursor input for navigation and interaction.
- Absence of Touch Bar: Unlike some 13-inch and 15-inch MacBook Pro models from that era, the 2017 MacBook Air also lacked the innovative Touch Bar, a narrow OLED strip that offered dynamic controls above the keyboard.
Apple's Design Philosophy Behind Non-Touch Mac Displays
Apple has historically maintained a clear distinction between its laptop and tablet product lines, influencing the decision not to integrate touch screens into Macs. Several reasons are often cited for this approach:
- Ergonomics: Concerns about "gorilla arm" — arm fatigue from repeatedly reaching up to touch a vertical display — have been a factor in Apple's design choices.
- macOS Optimization: The macOS operating system is primarily optimized for precision input from a trackpad and keyboard, rather than direct finger gestures on the screen.
- Product Differentiation: Keeping Macs non-touch helps differentiate them from iPads, which are Apple's primary touch-first computing devices.
Comparison: MacBook Air vs. Touch-Enabled Devices
To further illustrate the design, here's a brief comparison of the 2017 MacBook Air's display features against devices that do offer touch capabilities:
| Feature | 2017 MacBook Air | Modern iPad (e.g., iPad Air) | Certain Windows Laptops (e.g., Microsoft Surface Laptop) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Touch Screen | No | Yes | Often Yes |
| Primary Input Method | Trackpad, Keyboard | Touch, Apple Pencil | Touch, Trackpad, Keyboard, Stylus |
| Operating System | macOS | iPadOS | Windows |
| Touch Bar Integration | No | N/A | N/A |
In conclusion, for users seeking a touch-enabled Apple device, the iPad lineup remains the primary option, as MacBooks, including the 2017 MacBook Air, are built around a traditional laptop interface.
