Can I get accurate color on a MacBook Air with software calibration alone?

No, software calibration won’t cut it. You need a hardware calibrator like a Datacolor Spyder or X-Rite i1Display to adjust the display’s actual hardware LUT. MacBook Airs lack hardware calibration tables, so software-only tweaks are limited by the panel’s native behavior. Even with a hardware calibrator, the glossy screen and contrast ratio aren’t ideal for serious photo editing. For print or client work, invest in a proper external monitor with hardware calibration support.