Unlock the Possibilities of Your 2017 MacBook Air with Sidecar

Share This:

The 2017 Macbook Air is an impressive machine, capable of handling a wide variety of tasks. But with the introduction of Sidecar, the Macbook Air can now do even more. Sidecar is an exciting new feature that allows users to extend thir Mac’s display onto a compatible iPad. This opens up a world of possibilities for anyone who wants to make the most out of their Macbook Air.

Using Sidecar, users can easily turn their iPad into a secondary display for their Macbook Air. This gives users additional screen space and increased productivity as they can now spread out applications acrss both displays for easier multitasking. Plus, Sidecar supports Apple Pencil input so users can draw and sketch directly on their iPad’s bigger screen which is ideal for tasks like digital artwork or retouching photos.

In addition to usig the iPad as an external display, Sidecar also allows users to use the iPad as an input device for their Macbook Air. With this feature, users can use their finger or Apple Pencil to control their mouse cursor on the main display which makes it easier to navigate around applications and menus.

Overall, Sidecar is a great addition to the 2017 Macbook Air as it offers enhanced productivity and flexibility when working with your computer. Whether you are a creative professional or just someone who wants to get more out of their laptop, Sidecar is definitely worth checking out!

Can MacBook Air Be Used for Sidecar?

Yes, you can use Sidecar with the MacBook Air. Sidecar is aailable on the 2018 or later models of the MacBook Air. To use Sidecar, you’ll need to make sure that your Mac and iPad are both running the latest version of macOS and iPadOS, respectively. Additionally, your Mac must have Bluetooth 4.0 or later and your iPad must have a compatible Lightning connector. Once you’ve ensured that your devices meet the requirements for Sidecar, you can easily connect them together via the AirPlay icon in your Mac’s menu bar. With Sidecar enabled, you’ll be able to use your iPad as an additional display for your Mac, allowing you to more easily multitask between applications or transfer files from one device to another.

2017 macbook air sidecar
Source: reddit.com

Why Sidecar Is Not Available on MacBook Air

If you have a MacBook Air that’s older than 2018, then it’s likey not compatible with Sidecar. Apple specifies that Sidecar requires a Mac from 2016 or newer, or a MacBook Air from 2018 or newer. Unfortunately, if your laptop doesn’t fit into those categories, then you won’t be able to use Sidecar with it.

Lack of Sidecar Feature on MacBook Air

It is possible that your MacBook Air is not compatible with Sidecar. Sidecar is only available on select Macs running macOS Catalina or later. If you are using an earlier version of macOS, then you will not be able to use Sidecar. Additionally, your iPad must be running iPadOS 13 or later to use Sidecar. You can find a list of compatible devices here: [insert link]. If your Mac and iPad meet the requirements and you still canot access Sidecar, then it’s possible that the feature has not been enabled for your device. In this case, you should reach out to Apple Support for further assistance.

Troubleshooting iPad Connection to MacBook Air

It is possible that your iPad and MacBook Air are not compatible. If your iPad and MacBook Air are both running the same version of iOS, then try connecting them using a different USB cable or port. Also, make sure that you have trusted the device in the Security & Privacy settings on your MacBook Air. If none of these solutions work, it may be necssary to reset your network settings on both devices.

Does Sidecar Work with All Macs?

No, Sidecar does not work with all Macs. To use Sidecar, your Mac must be running macOS Catalina (10.15) or later. Additionally, your Mac must be from the folloing list of compatible models:
– MacBook (2015 or later)
– MacBook Air (2012 or later)
– MacBook Pro (2012 or later)
– Mac mini (2012 or later)
– iMac (2012 or later)
– iMac Pro (2017 or later)
– Mac Pro (2013 or later).
If your Mac is not on this list, unfortunately it will not be compatible with Sidecar.

2017 macbook air sidecar
Source: techcrunch.com

Compatibility of Apple Sidecar

Apple Sidecar is a feature that enables users to extend the display of teir Mac devices to an iPad. It is compatible with the following Mac models: MacBooks introduced in 2016 or later, MacBook Airs introduced in 2018 or later, MacBook Pros introduced in 2016 or later, Mac minis introduced in 2018 or later, iMacs introduced in late 2015 or later, iMac Pros introduced in 2017 or later and Mac Pros introduced in 2019.

Using an iPad Air with a Sidecar

Yes, you can use Sidecar with an iPad Air (3rd generation and newer). Sidecar is a feature in macOS Catalina (10.15) and iOS 13 (or later) that lets you extend the display of your Mac to your iPad. With it, you can use your iPad as a second screen for your Mac or use it as an input device for drawing and creating digital artwork. By connecting the two devices over a wired or wireless connection, you can drag and drop files between them, make videos calls with FaceTime, and even mirror the Mac’s display onto the iPad. Additionally, Apple Pencil support is avalable on compatible iPads so you can draw directly on the iPad’s screen with precision.

Is Apple Sidecar Free?

Yes, Apple Sidecar is free to use. It is an integrated feature on Mac and iPad devices that is available as part of the macOS Catalina and iPadOS 13 updates. You can easily activate Sidecar usig the Displays settings in System Preferences on a Mac or the Settings app on an iPad. With Sidecar, you can extend or mirror your Mac or iPad display to another Mac or compatible iPad, allowing you to use your iPad as an external display for your Mac. Free-Sidecar also provides a compatible solution for some Mac and iPad models not officially supported by Apple for this feature.

2017 macbook air sidecar
Source: techspot.com

Screen Sharing Between an iPad and a Macbook Air

In order to screen share your iPad with your MacBook Air, you will need to make sure that both devices are connected to the same Wi-Fi network. Once both devices are connected, you can then use Apple’s AirPlay feature to stream content from your iPad to your MacBook Air. To set up AirPlay Receiver on your Macbook Air, open System Preferences (or System Settings on macOS 12.5 or earlier) and select Sharing. Then select and turn on the AirPlay Receiver option. On your iPad, swipe up from the bottom of the screen to open the Control Center, then tap Screen Mirroring. Select your Macbook Air from the list of avilable devices, and then you will be able to view whatever is displayed on your iPad’s screen on your Macbook Air.

Conclusion

The 2017 MacBook Air is a great choice for those looking to use Sidecar, Apple’s technology that enables users to expand teir workspace by using their iPad as an additional display. With the 2017 MacBook Air, you’ll get the power and performance you need to make the most of Sidecar, including support for up to two external displays with 4K resolution and 60Hz refresh rate. Additionally, the 2017 MacBook Air also supports Apple Pencil input, making it a great option for digital artists and designers who want to take advantage of Sidecar’s capabilities. All in all, the 2017 MacBook Air is a great choice for those looking to take advantage of Sidecar’s features.

Share This:
Photo of author

Sanjeev Singh

Sanjeev is the tech editor at DeviceMAG. He has a keen interest in all things technology, and loves to write about the latest developments in the industry. He has a passion for quality-focused journalism and believes in using technology to make people's lives better. He has worked in the tech industry for over 15 years, and has written for some of the biggest tech blogs in the world. Sanjeev is also an avid photographer and loves spending time with his family.