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The Apple iPad 4 can still be useful, but only for narrow, inexpensive tasks. Officially called the iPad (4th generation), it is a late-2012 9.7-inch tablet with a sharp Retina display, Apple’s A6X chip and a Lightning connector. In 2026, however, it is a 32-bit device limited to the old iOS 10 era, excluded from modern iPadOS releases and classified by Apple as obsolete for hardware service.
Keep one—or buy one—only for offline media, ebooks, photos, simple legacy games or similar hobby use. It is a poor choice for banking, school, work, current streaming apps, modern web browsing or long-term security.
What is the Apple iPad 4?
The Apple iPad 4, also known as the fourth-generation iPad, was introduced in late 2012. It is not the same device as the iPad Air 4 or the fourth-generation iPad Pro; those names refer to much newer products.
The iPad 4 was a faster refresh of the third-generation full-size iPad. It retained the 9.7-inch Retina display, introduced the A6X platform to the iPad line and replaced Apple’s 30-pin connector with Lightning. It was later replaced in Apple’s lineup by the iPad Air.
#1 Best Overall
- Display: Features a 7.9-inch Retina display with 2048 x 1536 resolution for crisp, vivid visuals.
- Processor: Powered by an Apple A8 chip for fast performance and smooth multitasking.
- Camera: Includes an 8MP rear camera and 1.2MP front camera for capturing photos and videos.
- Memory: Comes with 128GB of storage for storing apps, photos, videos, and more.
- Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for connecting to devices and the internet.
Apple’s iPad documentation and model-identification guide identify it as a 2012 iPad generation.
How to identify an iPad 4
Check the model number on the rear casing, or open Settings > General > About if the tablet starts.
| Model number | Configuration |
|---|---|
| A1458 | iPad 4 Wi-Fi |
| A1459 | iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular |
| A1460 | iPad 4 Wi-Fi + Cellular, MM/CDMA variant |
Other identifying features include a 9.7-inch screen, a traditional Home button, black or white front bezels and a Lightning port. Cellular versions have a micro-SIM tray on the right side. There is no Touch ID, USB-C port or Apple Pencil support.
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Do not rely on appearance alone: the iPad 3 looks similar but uses the older 30-pin connector.
Apple iPad 4 specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Introduction | Late 2012 |
| Processor | Dual-core Apple A6X with quad-core graphics |
| Display | 9.7-inch Retina LED-backlit IPS Multi-Touch display |
| Resolution | 2048 × 1536, 264 ppi |
| Storage | 16GB, 32GB, 64GB or 128GB |
| Rear camera | 5MP iSight camera; 1080p video |
| Front camera | 1.2MP FaceTime HD camera |
| Wireless | 802.11a/b/g/n, 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 4.0 |
| Connector | Lightning |
| Headphone jack | 3.5mm stereo jack |
| Battery | 42.5-watt-hour rechargeable lithium-polymer battery |
| Dimensions | 9.50 × 7.31 × 0.37 inches |
| Weight | 652g Wi-Fi; 662g cellular |
Apple originally rated the battery for up to 10 hours on Wi-Fi or up to nine hours using cellular data. Those figures came from testing new preproduction hardware and software in 2012; they are not a realistic guarantee for a used iPad in 2026. Battery age, charging history and physical condition matter far more now. See Apple’s technical specifications for the original figures.
Rank #2
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Software support and the final iOS version
The iPad 4 is a 32-bit device. The final commonly documented releases are iOS 10.3.3 for Wi-Fi models and iOS 10.3.4 for cellular models; these version details are documented in secondary version history. Apple’s current compatibility documentation excludes the iPad 4 from iPadOS 26.
That means it cannot be upgraded to iPadOS 13, iPadOS 16, iPadOS 26 or any other modern iPadOS release. Apple also lists every iPad 4 variant as obsolete worldwide. In Apple’s terminology, obsolete means normal Apple hardware service and parts ordering are discontinued; it does not mean the tablet stops working immediately.
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The App Store may still offer an older compatible version of an app you previously downloaded, but this is not guaranteed. A current app may require a newer operating system, an old version may have been removed, or the app may install but fail at login because its service no longer supports iOS 10. “Can install” does not mean “works reliably.”
What can an iPad 4 still do in 2026?
Still practical for the right owner
- View locally stored photos, videos and music.
- Read compatible ebooks and PDFs.
- Run offline games that are already installed.
- Display a clock, calendar, recipe or kitchen reference.
- Play basic local media through its speaker or headphone jack.
- Serve as a simple guest, child or retro-tech device when the required apps already work.
Sometimes practical
Lightweight websites, notes, basic document viewing, Bluetooth accessories and limited AirPlay setups may work. Results depend on the site, app version, login system and server-side changes. Modern browser features can fail even when Wi-Fi connectivity itself is fine.
Usually a poor fit
Do not buy it expecting dependable YouTube, Netflix, Gmail, Microsoft 365, social-media, school, work or new-game support. These services can reject the old operating system, require a newer app or fail because Safari and its underlying web technologies are outdated.
Rank #3
- Gorgeous 10.2-Inch Retina Display - A12 Bionic Chip with Neural Engine
- 8MP Back Camera, 1.2MP FaceTime HD Front Camera - Stereo Speakers
- 802.11AC Wi-Fi 5 - Lightning Connector for Charging & More Accessories
- Up to 10 Hours of Battery Life/Charge - Touch ID Fingerprint Sensor
- Support for Smart Keyboard and Apple Pencil (1st Generation)
Is the iPad 4 secure enough for sensitive use?
No. It should not be used for banking, password management, work accounts, medical portals, government services, shopping accounts or primary email.
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Can the cellular iPad 4 still connect?
Possibly, but the word “4G” on an old listing is not a guarantee of current service. Apple lists the A1459 with GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA and LTE Bands 4 and 17. The A1460 also supports CDMA EV-DO, GSM/EDGE, UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA and LTE Bands 1, 3, 5, 13 and 25.
Actual operation depends on your country, carrier, supported LTE bands, network shutdowns, SIM provisioning and whether the carrier permits tablet activation. Check the exact model and carrier before buying. For most used buyers, the Wi-Fi model is the safer choice unless cellular compatibility has been confirmed. Apple’s cellular specifications provide the model and band details.
Does it support Apple Pencil?
No. The iPad 4 predates Apple Pencil support and has neither a USB-C port nor a magnetic Pencil interface. A basic capacitive stylus may work for tapping or rough handwriting, but it will not provide pressure sensitivity, palm rejection, pairing or charging.
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- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Compatible accessories
- Use a Lightning charging and data cable, not a 30-pin cable.
- A suitable USB power adapter is required.
- Cases must be designed for the iPad 4; newer iPad cases generally will not fit.
- Wired 3.5mm headphones work without an adapter.
- Bluetooth keyboards, headphones and speakers may work, but compatibility varies.
Avoid spending heavily on premium cases, keyboards or styluses for a tablet with no modern software path.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Used iPad 4 buying checklist
1. Check Activation Lock before paying
Ask the seller to erase the iPad. Start setup and confirm that it reaches the Hello screen without requesting the previous owner’s Apple Account. Do not accept a device that remains linked to someone else.
Apple’s Activation Lock guidance warns buyers not to take ownership of a used device still linked to the previous owner. A buyer cannot legitimately bypass Activation Lock without the owner’s credentials or appropriate Apple support documentation. Erasing the iPad does not remove the lock.
2. Inspect the battery and display
Watch for unexpected shutdowns, rapid percentage drops, excessive heat, charging failures or a display lifting away from the frame. A swollen battery is a safety problem, not merely a short-runtime issue. Apple’s obsolete status means official repair may not be available, although independent repair options vary.
3. Test the essential hardware
- Touch input across the entire screen.
- Home button, speakers, cameras and headphone jack.
- Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and the Lightning port.
- Charging with the included cable and adapter.
- Cellular connection, if relevant to the exact model and carrier.
- Available storage and the installed iOS version.
A return window is valuable because battery and app problems may not be obvious during a brief handover.
Best Value
- WHY IPAD — The 11-inch iPad is now more capable than ever with the superfast A16 chip, a stunning Liquid Retina display, advanced cameras, fast Wi-Fi, USB-C connector, and four gorgeous colors.* iPad delivers a powerful way to create, stay connected, and get things done.
- PERFORMANCE AND STORAGE — The superfast A16 chip delivers a boost in performance for your favorite activities. And with all-day battery life, iPad is perfect for playing immersive games and editing photos and videos.* Storage starts at 128GB and goes up to 512GB.*
- 11-INCH LIQUID RETINA DISPLAY — The gorgeous Liquid Retina display is an amazing way to watch movies or draw your next masterpiece.* True Tone adjusts the display to the color temperature of the room to make viewing comfortable in any light.
- IPADOS + APPS — iPadOS makes iPad more productive, intuitive, and versatile. With iPadOS, run multiple apps at once, use Apple Pencil to write in any text field with Scribble, and edit and share photos.* iPad comes with essential apps like Safari, Messages, and Keynote, with over a million more apps designed specifically for iPad available on the App Store.
- FAST WI-FI CONNECTIVITY — Wi-Fi 6 gives you fast access to your files, uploads, and downloads, and lets you seamlessly stream your favorite shows.
Common problems and recovery steps
Forgotten passcode
A forgotten passcode generally requires erasing the iPad, deleting its contents unless a backup exists. After erasure, Activation Lock can still require the previous owner’s account.
Apps will not download
Check whether the app requires a newer iOS version. If it was previously purchased with the same Apple Account, the App Store may offer an older compatible version, but developers do not have to preserve it. Even a successful installation does not guarantee that sign-in or online features still work.
Update or restore errors
A computer may be needed for recovery or restoration. Check the cable, USB port, computer software and network, then use recovery mode if appropriate. Apple’s update and restore guidance covers these troubleshooting steps. A restore will not upgrade the iPad beyond its final supported iOS version.
Should you buy an iPad 4 instead of a newer used iPad?
If you need a real everyday tablet, choose a model that remains on Apple’s current compatibility list. Apple’s iPadOS 26 documentation includes newer options such as the iPad 8th generation, iPad 9th generation, iPad 10th generation, iPad with A16, iPad Air 3rd generation and later, and newer iPad Pro and iPad mini models.
- Lowest-cost sensible used option: investigate an iPad 8th or 9th generation at a reasonable local price.
- More longevity: consider an iPad 10th generation or iPad with A16.
- Smaller tablet: consider a supported iPad mini 5th generation or newer.
- More performance: look at a supported iPad Air or iPad Pro.
- Non-Apple alternative: a current inexpensive Android tablet may be better for basic web and video use.
Compare the full cost, including a charger and case, with the cost of a supported used model. Avoid listings with Activation Lock, uncertain battery condition, no return policy or pricing close to a newer iPad.
Final verdict
Keep an iPad 4 if you already own one and need a simple offline device. It still has a pleasant Retina display and can handle local media, reading, photos and some legacy software.
Buy one only when it is free or extremely inexpensive, the intended apps are confirmed, and the unit passes the Activation Lock, battery and hardware checks. Reject it for modern streaming, school, work, banking, secure accounts, dependable cellular service or long-term use. At normal used-tablet pricing, a supported newer iPad is the better purchase.
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