What Software Comes with Apple MacBook Air: Complete Guide

If you’ve just bought an Apple MacBook Air or are thinking about getting one, you might be wondering what software it comes with out of the box. Apple pre-installs a range of macOS apps so you can start working, creating, and communicating right away without downloading extra programs.

This guide breaks down every major app that ships with a MacBook Air.

Before You Start

• The pre-installed software list can vary slightly by macOS version.
• Updates may add new features or apps.
• All built-in apps are free and can be re-downloaded from the Mac App Store if removed.

1. macOS Operating System

Every MacBook Air comes with macOS, Apple’s desktop operating system.
It includes the Finder interface, Dock, Menu Bar, and core features like Spotlight Search, Control Center, and Mission Control.

Key Features:

• Regular free updates
• Optimized for Apple hardware
• Built-in privacy and security protections

2. Safari

Safari is Apple’s default web browser, designed for speed, battery efficiency, and privacy.

Highlights:

• Intelligent Tracking Prevention
• Reader Mode for distraction-free reading
• iCloud sync with iPhone and iPad

3. Mail

The Mail app lets you manage multiple email accounts in one place.

Supports:

• iCloud, Gmail, Outlook, Yahoo, and more
• Rich text formatting and attachments
• VIP inbox for important contacts

4. Messages

Messages keeps you connected with text, photos, videos, and audio messages.

Features:

• iMessage and SMS integration
• Group chats and reactions
• End-to-end encryption for iMessages

5. FaceTime

FaceTime enables video and audio calls to Apple devices worldwide.

Benefits:

• High-quality HD video
• SharePlay for watching or listening together
• Works with iPhone, iPad, and other Macs

6. Calendar

The Calendar app helps you organize events, tasks, and reminders.

Capabilities:

• Multiple calendars for work and personal use
• Integration with Siri and Maps
• Shared calendars for collaboration

7. Contacts

Contacts stores all your people and business info in one place.

Integrations:

• Works with Mail, Messages, and FaceTime
• Syncs across all Apple devices via iCloud

8. Photos

Photos organizes, edits, and syncs your pictures and videos.

Tools:

• Smart albums and facial recognition
• Non-destructive editing
• iCloud Photos for automatic backup

9. Music

Music is Apple’s hub for local libraries, Apple Music streaming, and iTunes purchases.

Highlights:

• Curated playlists
• High-quality audio options
• Offline playback

10. TV

The TV app lets you watch Apple TV+ originals, movies, and shows from other services.

Features:

• Personalized recommendations
• Integration with streaming channels
• Watchlist and resume playback

11. Podcasts

Podcasts gives you access to millions of free audio shows.

Benefits:

• Subscribe and download episodes
• Custom playlists and speed control
• Sync progress across devices

12. Notes

Notes is for jotting down ideas, checklists, and documents.

Tools:

• Rich text formatting and attachments
• Locking for sensitive notes
• Folders for organization

13. Reminders

Reminders helps you track tasks and deadlines.

Features:

• Time- and location-based alerts
• Shared lists with others
• Siri integration

14. Preview

Preview is a powerful built-in PDF and image viewer.

Capabilities:

• Annotate documents
• Fill out and sign PDFs
• Export in multiple file formats

15. Pages, Numbers, and Keynote

These are Apple’s iWork productivity apps, free on all new Macs.

Pages – Word processing and page layout
Numbers – Spreadsheets and data visualization
Keynote – Professional presentations

16. App Store

The Mac App Store is your source for downloading apps and games.

Benefits:

• Verified apps for security
• Automatic updates
• Easy purchasing with Apple ID

Tips for Using Built-In MacBook Air Software

• Keep macOS updated to get the latest features.
• Use iCloud for seamless syncing between devices.
• Explore hidden tools like QuickTime Player for screen recording and Voice Memos for audio capture.

FAQs

Can I uninstall built-in Mac apps?
Some core apps like Safari can’t be fully removed, but most others can be deleted and reinstalled from the App Store.

Does the MacBook Air come with Microsoft Office?
No. You can download Office separately or use the free iWork suite (Pages, Numbers, Keynote).

Are Apple’s pre-installed apps free?
Yes, all built-in apps are free and receive updates via the App Store.

Summary of Pre-Installed MacBook Air Software

1. macOS operating system
2. Safari
3. Mail
4. Messages
5. FaceTime
6. Calendar
7. Contacts
8. Photos
9. Music
10. TV
11. Podcasts
12. Notes
13. Reminders
14. Preview
15. Pages, Numbers, Keynote
16. App Store

Conclusion

Your Apple MacBook Air comes fully loaded with software for work, creativity, and communication right out of the box.
From productivity tools like Pages to entertainment apps like TV and Music, these pre-installed programs mean you can start using your Mac immediately — no extra downloads required.