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Macbook air hdmi port: is it missing or just hidden?

Key points

  • If you have a MacBook Air (2018 or later), you can use either a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI adapter to connect to an external display.
  • If you have a MacBook Air (2018 or later), it does not have an HDMI port, but you can use an adapter to connect to an external display.
  • You can use either a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI adapter to connect an external display to a MacBook Air (2018 or later).

The Apple MacBook Air is a popular choice for users who need a lightweight and portable laptop. But does the MacBook Air have an HDMI port? This is an important question for users who want to connect their laptop to an external display or projector.

What is an HDMI Port?

HDMI (High-Definition Multimedia Interface) is a digital interface that transmits uncompressed video and audio data. It is commonly used to connect devices such as laptops, Blu-ray players, and gaming consoles to TVs, monitors, and projectors.

Does the MacBook Air Have an HDMI Port?

The answer to this question depends on the model of MacBook Air you have.

  • MacBook Air (2018 and later): No, the MacBook Air (2018 and later) models do not have an HDMI port.
  • MacBook Air (2017 and earlier): Yes, the MacBook Air (2017 and earlier) models have a single HDMI port.

Why Did Apple Remove the HDMI Port?

Apple removed the HDMI port from the MacBook Air (2018 and later) models to make the laptop thinner and lighter. The company also believes that USB-C is a more versatile port that can be used for charging, data transfer, and video output.

How to Connect an External Display to a MacBook Air Without an HDMI Port

If you have a MacBook Air (2018 or later) and want to connect it to an external display, you will need to use an adapter. There are two types of adapters you can use:

  • USB-C to HDMI Adapter: This type of adapter connects to the USB-C port on your MacBook Air and provides an HDMI port for connecting to an external display.
  • Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI Adapter: This type of adapter connects to the Thunderbolt 3 port on your MacBook Air and provides an HDMI port for connecting to an external display.

Which Adapter Should I Use?

If you have a MacBook Air (2018 or later), you can use either a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI adapter to connect to an external display. However, if you have a MacBook Air (2017 or earlier), you can only use a USB-C to HDMI adapter.

Other Ways to Connect an External Display to a MacBook Air

In addition to using an adapter, there are other ways to connect an external display to a MacBook Air:

  • AirPlay: AirPlay is a wireless technology that allows you to mirror your MacBook Air’s display to an Apple TV or other AirPlay-compatible device.
  • Sidecar: Sidecar is a feature that allows you to use an iPad as a second display for your MacBook Air.

Takeaways

The answer to the question “does apple macbook air have hdmi port” depends on the model of MacBook Air you have. If you have a MacBook Air (2017 or earlier), it has an HDMI port. If you have a MacBook Air (2018 or later), it does not have an HDMI port, but you can use an adapter to connect to an external display.

1. Why did Apple remove the HDMI port from the MacBook Air?

Apple removed the HDMI port from the MacBook Air (2018 and later) models to make the laptop thinner and lighter. The company also believes that USB-C is a more versatile port that can be used for charging, data transfer, and video output.

2. What type of adapter do I need to connect an external display to a MacBook Air without an HDMI port?

You can use either a USB-C to HDMI adapter or a Thunderbolt 3 to HDMI adapter to connect an external display to a MacBook Air (2018 or later).

3. Can I use AirPlay to connect an external display to a MacBook Air?

Yes, you can use AirPlay to mirror your MacBook Air‘s display to an Apple TV or other AirPlay-compatible device.

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