The iPad Air 4th generation, launched in September 2020, brought a pro-inspired design to Apple’s mid-range tablet lineup. In 2025, it remains a popular option on the refurbished market, offering solid performance for everyday tasks at a fraction of its original price. This guide covers the full specifications, current pricing, and whether it still makes sense to buy one today.
What Are the Complete Specs of the iPad Air 4th Generation?
- The iPad Air 4th generation uses the Apple A14 Bionic chip, same as the iPhone 12 series, making it still capable for most apps in 2025.
- As of 2025, the iPad Air 4 supports iPadOS 17 and is expected to receive iPadOS 18, but may be the final major update.
- The 64GB base model is sufficient for cloud-based users, while the 256GB model is recommended for media and creative work.
- Trade-in values at CeX (UK) in mid-2025 range from approximately £195 (64GB, Good condition) to £260 (256GB, Unboxed).
- The device is discontinued (March 2022) but remains widely available refurbished, making it a strong value option.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 16, 2020 (pre-order) / September 23, 2020 (in stores) |
| Discontinued | March 8, 2022 |
| Processor | Apple A14 Bionic (6-core CPU, 4-core GPU) |
| Storage Options | 64GB, 256GB (no 128GB) |
| Display | 10.9-inch Liquid Retina, 2360×1640, 264 ppi, 500 nits |
| Camera | 12MP wide rear, 7MP FaceTime HD front |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, optional 4G LTE |
| Battery | 28.6 Wh, up to 10 hours wireless web |
| Weight | 458g (Wi-Fi) / 460g (Cellular) |
| Starting Price (2020) | $599 / £579 (64GB Wi-Fi) |
How Much Does an iPad Air 4th Generation Cost in 2025?
In 2025, the iPad Air 4th generation is no longer sold new by Apple. Pricing depends on condition, storage capacity, and whether accessories are included.
What is the trade-in value of an iPad Air 4th generation at CeX?
CeX UK currently lists the 64GB model at approximately £195 for units in Good condition. The 256GB variant reaches around £260 for Unboxed condition. Prices fluctuate based on stock and demand.
Where can I buy a refurbished iPad Air 4th generation?
Refurbished units are available through Apple’s certified refurbished store when in stock, as well as through third-party resellers like CeX, Back Market, and Amazon Renewed. Checking battery health before purchase is recommended, as units vary.
How much does a 256GB iPad Air 4th generation cost used?
On the second-hand market, a 256GB iPad Air 4 typically sells between $300 and $400 (approximately £240–£320). Bundles that include the Apple Pencil 2 or a keyboard case often push toward the higher end of that range. For a reliable internet connection to download apps and stream media, check out Best Internet in My Area – Find Providers and Speeds.
Apple never manufactured a 128GB iPad Air 4th generation. Only 64GB and 256GB configurations exist. Some marketplace listings may mislabel units, so verify the storage in Settings before purchase.
Is the iPad Air 4th Generation Still Worth Buying in 2025?
For budget-conscious users who need a reliable tablet for browsing, streaming, note-taking, and light productivity, the answer is yes. Creators and power users, however, will find the A14 chip and 4GB of RAM limiting compared to newer M-series models.
Does the iPad Air 4th generation support the latest iPadOS?
The device runs iPadOS 17 and is expected to be compatible with iPadOS 18 when released. Support for iPadOS 19 (expected in 2025) remains uncertain. Apple’s typical update cycle for A-series chips suggests this may be the final major software update. See the official iPadOS 17 Compatibility List for confirmation.
How does the iPad Air 4th generation compare to the iPad Air 5th generation?
The iPad Air 5 (2022) upgraded to the M1 chip, 8GB of RAM, and a 12MP ultra-wide front camera with Center Stage. The iPad Air 4 retains the same design and display but falls behind in multitasking performance and future-proofing. For a detailed comparison, refer to Wikipedia’s iPad Air 4th generation page.
What is the battery life of the iPad Air 4th generation today?
Apple rated the original battery at up to 10 hours. In 2025, YouTube reviewers report 9 to 10 hours of typical mixed use on well-maintained units. Battery health declines with age, so used units may show 75–85% of original capacity. This is part of normal lithium-ion degradation.
Battery health varies significantly by usage and charging habits. Typical 5-year-old units may have 75–85% original capacity. No official Apple battery replacement data for this specific model is consistently available for used units. Request a battery health check from the seller when possible.
When Was the iPad Air 4th Generation Released and Discontinued?
- September 2020 — iPad Air 4th generation announced and released alongside iPad 8th gen.
- October 2020 — First reviews note the A14 chip performance and USB-C adoption.
- September 2021 — iPadOS 15 released; iPad Air 4 gains multitasking improvements.
- March 8, 2022 — Discontinued. iPad Air 5th generation announced with M1 chip.
- September 2023 — iPadOS 17 released. iPad Air 4 supports latest OS.
- June 2025 (expected) — iPadOS 19 announcement; iPad Air 4 likely on final supported version.
The full technical specifications are available from Apple’s official support page.
What Is Certain and What Remains Unclear About the iPad Air 4th Generation?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Apple never made a 128GB iPad Air 4th generation. Only 64GB and 256GB exist. | Battery health expectations: capacity varies widely by usage and charging habits. No centralised data exists for used units. |
| The iPad Air 4 supports Apple Pencil (2nd generation) only. It does not support the 1st generation Pencil or USB-C Pencil. | iPadOS 19 support: the A14 Bionic may be on Apple’s final supported list, but this has not been confirmed. |
What Market Position Does the iPad Air 4th Generation Occupy in 2025?
The iPad Air 4th generation sits as a mid-range tablet with a pro-inspired design — flat edges, full-screen display, and USB-C — but without ProMotion or M-series chips. In 2025, it competes with the iPad 10th generation (same A14 chip) and the iPad Air 5 (M1). Its 10.9-inch display remains modern, but the 64GB base storage is tight for current apps and games.
The device remains a solid choice for students, media consumption, and light creative work, provided the buyer accepts the battery age limitations. The search intent around this topic has shifted from “new product launch” to “value and buyer’s guide,” with users primarily wanting to know if it is worth buying used. Detailed specifications can be found on GSMArena’s Apple iPad Air 4 specs page.
What Do the Sources Say About the iPad Air 4th Generation?
“10.9-inch (diagonal) LED-backlit Multi-Touch display with IPS technology, 2360-by-1640-pixel resolution at 264 pixels per inch.”
— Apple Support (specifications)
“The 4th generation iPad Air was discontinued on March 8, 2022, following the announcement of its successor, the iPad Air (5th generation).”
— Wikipedia – iPad Air (4th generation)
For current trade-in pricing, check CeX UK’s iPad Air 4th Generation page.
Should You Buy an iPad Air 4th Generation in 2025?
If your budget is under $400 and you need Apple Pencil and keyboard support for everyday tasks, the iPad Air 4th generation remains a capable choice. If you require Apple Intelligence features, heavy multitasking, or long-term future-proofing, a newer iPad Air with an M-series chip is a better investment. To manage files and share documents between devices, you might also find the guide on How to Share Location on WhatsApp – Step-by-Step Guide useful for coordinating with others.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the iPad Air 4th gen support a headphone jack?
No. The iPad Air 4th generation does not have a 3.5mm headphone jack. You will need USB-C or Bluetooth headphones.
What is the difference between iPad Air 4th gen and iPad 10th gen?
Both use the A14 Bionic chip. The iPad Air 4 has a laminated display, anti-reflective coating, and is thinner/lighter. The iPad 10 has a 10.9-inch display, USB-C, and landscape front camera, but a non-laminated screen.
Can I use iPad Air 4th generation for video editing in 2025?
Yes, for light to moderate video editing (1080p/4K in apps like LumaFusion). For heavy timelines or complex effects, an M1 or newer chip is recommended.
Does the iPad Air 4th gen support Stage Manager?
No. Stage Manager is limited to iPad models with M1 chips or newer (iPad Air 5 and later).
Is the iPad Air 4th generation keyboard compatible with Magic Keyboard?
Yes. The iPad Air 4th generation is compatible with the Magic Keyboard (for iPad Air 4) and the Smart Keyboard Folio.
Rebecca Wallace is Managing Editor at MarketUK.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and article commissioning.