Introduction — Is iPad 4th Gen (2012) Worth Buying in 2026?
The iPad 4th Generation (2012) is now more than a decade old, yet some buyers still come across it online and wonder if it’s worth buying in 2026 — especially when listings occasionally appear for under $100 on sites like eBay or Craigslist.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, there are no Certified Used or Refurbished iPad 4th Gen (2012) units available. This isn’t a temporary shortage — it’s because the model is simply too old. Professional refurbishers no longer work on iPads of this age, as it doesn’t make economic or technical sense to refurbish a device that’s more than 10 years old with obsolete software.
While you may still find uncertified units from individual sellers, the low price hides serious problems. The iPad 4th Gen does not support any modern iPadOS versions, has been without security updates for years, and is no longer safe to use for everyday tasks in 2026.
Quick Verdict — Should You Buy the iPad 4th Gen in 2026?
No — the iPad 4th Gen (2012) is absolutely not worth buying in 2026.
Even at a price below $100, this iPad is far past its usable lifespan. It no longer receives software updates, security patches, or app support, and it hasn’t for many years. In fact, continuing to use a device this old can expose users to security risks.
Why some buyers are tempted:
- Extremely low price on second-hand marketplaces
- Classic Apple hardware design
- “It still turns on” factor
Why we strongly recommend against it:
- Capped at iOS 10 (released in 2016)
- Last security update released in July 2019
- Out of security support for more than 6 years
- Incompatible with nearly all modern apps
- No Certified Used or Refurbished inventory
In short, the iPad 4th Gen is no longer just outdated — it’s obsolete.
Why You Won’t Find Certified Refurbished iPad 4th Gen Models
If you’re wondering why UpTrade shows no Certified Used or Refurbished listings for the iPad 4th Gen, there’s a simple explanation.
Professional refurbishers have stopped working on this model entirely. At more than 10 years old, the iPad 4th Gen faces multiple issues:
- Severely degraded batteries
- Limited or unavailable replacement parts
- Obsolete hardware and software
- No ongoing OS or security support
From a business standpoint, refurbishing this device doesn’t make sense. Even after repairs, it would still be unsafe, unsupported, and unusable by modern standards. That’s why reputable sellers no longer certify or warranty it.
This absence of Certified Used or Refurbished inventory is actually a red flag, not a missed opportunity.
Software & Security Status — Completely Obsolete
Software support is the single most important factor when evaluating an older Apple device, and this is where the iPad 4th Gen completely fails.
The iPad 4th Gen is capped at iOS 10, which was released in 2016. Apple stopped providing security updates for this version in July 2019. As of 2026, that means the device has been without security patches for 7 years.
In practical terms, this means:
- No protection against modern security vulnerabilities
- No app updates or compatibility
- Outdated browsers that can’t load many websites
- Increased risk when signing into accounts or using Wi-Fi
At this point, the iPad 4th Gen isn’t just inconvenient — it’s no longer safe to use online.
Why Buying From eBay or Craigslist Is a Bad Idea
Because the iPad 4th Gen (2012) is no longer supported by Apple or professional refurbishers, the only places you’ll typically find it for sale today are peer-to-peer marketplaces like eBay, Craigslist, or Facebook Marketplace. While prices under $100 may look attractive, these listings come with serious risks.
The biggest issue is lack of certification. These devices are not inspected, repaired, or tested to any professional standard. Most units have heavily degraded batteries, worn-out components, and unknown internal conditions. Even if the device powers on, its real-world reliability is unpredictable.
There’s also no warranty or return protection in most cases. If the battery fails, the device overheats, or the screen stops responding, you’re stuck with it. Battery replacement alone often costs more than the device is worth — assuming replacement parts are even available.
More importantly, the security risk is significant. Because the iPad 4th Gen hasn’t received security updates since 2019, using it on modern Wi-Fi networks or signing into accounts can expose personal data to vulnerabilities that Apple no longer patches.
In short, buying an uncertified iPad 4th Gen from eBay or Craigslist may save money upfront, but it exposes buyers to reliability issues, security risks, and zero long-term value. This is exactly the type of risk UpTrade helps shoppers avoid.
What the iPad 4th Gen Can (and Can’t) Still Do
At a very basic level, the iPad 4th Gen can still power on, display content, and run a limited number of very old apps. However, these capabilities are extremely restricted in 2026.
What it can still do:
- Turn on and function offline
- Run a small number of legacy apps that haven’t been updated in years
- Play locally stored photos, videos, or music
- Serve as a novelty or collector device
What it can’t do anymore:
- Run modern apps from the App Store
- Safely browse most websites
- Access secure services like online banking, email, or cloud storage
- Receive security updates or OS improvements
- Sync reliably with newer Apple devices
Even simple tasks like web browsing or streaming are often frustrating or impossible due to outdated browsers and incompatible apps.
In 2026, the iPad 4th Gen is no longer a practical tablet for everyday use. At best, it’s a relic of Apple’s early iPad era. At worst, it’s an unsafe device to connect to the internet.
Better Alternative — iPad 8th Gen (2020)
If you’re considering the iPad 4th Gen (2012) simply because it appears cheap on marketplaces like eBay or Craigslist, the iPad 8th Gen (2020) is the correct alternative — and it’s not even close.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished iPad 8th Gen (2020) models start at around $130+. That price point may seem higher than an uncertified iPad 4th Gen listing, but the difference in usability, security, and longevity is massive.
Most importantly, the iPad 8th Gen supports the latest iPadOS 26, while the iPad 4th Gen is capped at iOS 10 from 2016 and has been without security updates since July 2019. This alone makes the iPad 8th Gen the only sensible budget iPad choice in 2026.
iPad 4th Gen (2012) vs iPad 8th Gen (2020) — Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPad 4th Gen (2012) |
iPad 8th Gen (2020) |
| Release Year |
2012 |
2020 |
| Current Market Price |
<$100 (uncertified only) |
~$130+ Certified Used / Refurbished |
| Certification Available |
No |
Yes |
| Chipset |
A6X |
A12 Bionic |
| Performance (2026) |
Obsolete |
Smooth & responsive |
| Display |
9.7" Retina |
10.2" Retina |
| Apple Pencil Support |
No |
Apple Pencil (1st Gen) |
| Smart Keyboard Support |
No |
Yes |
| Latest OS Supported |
iOS 10 (2016) |
iPadOS 26 |
| Security Updates |
Ended July 2019 |
Ongoing |
| App Compatibility |
Extremely limited |
Full modern app support |
| Expected Longevity |
None |
Several more years |
Key Differences That Matter in 2026
Software Support & Security (Deal Breaker)
- iPad 4th Gen: Capped at iOS 10, no security updates for over 6 years
- iPad 8th Gen: Fully supports iPadOS 26 with ongoing security updates
In 2026, software support isn’t optional — it determines whether a device is safe to use at all. The iPad 4th Gen fails completely in this category.
Performance
The A12 Bionic chip in the iPad 8th Gen is generations ahead of the A6X in the iPad 4th Gen. Everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, multitasking, and productivity apps are simply not possible on the older device, while the iPad 8th Gen handles them smoothly.
Display & Screen Quality
iPad 4th Gen (2012):
9.7-inch Retina display with older panel technology, lower brightness, and no modern display enhancements. While it was impressive in 2012, it feels dim and dated by today’s standards and struggles with modern content and readability.
iPad 8th Gen (2020):
10.2-inch Retina display that is brighter, sharper, and noticeably larger. The extra screen real estate makes a real difference for reading, split-screen multitasking, note-taking, watching videos, and everyday productivity.
In 2026, display quality isn’t just about sharpness — it directly affects usability. The larger, brighter screen on the iPad 8th Gen delivers a far better daily experience.
App Compatibility
The App Store experience on the iPad 4th Gen is extremely limited, with many apps unavailable or non-functional. In contrast, the iPad 8th Gen runs modern versions of apps for school, work, entertainment, and communication without issue.
Longevity & Value
Spending around $130+ on a Certified Used / Refurbished iPad 8th Gen buys several more years of safe, supported use. Spending under $100 on an uncertified iPad 4th Gen buys a device that is already obsolete and unsafe.
Over time, the iPad 8th Gen is actually far cheaper to own because it won’t need immediate replacement.
UpTrade Recommendation
If you’re shopping for a budget iPad in 2026, do not buy the iPad 4th Gen (2012) — even at a very low price. The Certified Used / Refurbished iPad 8th Gen (2020) is the minimum model we recommend. It offers modern software support, real security, and genuine long-term value.
Final Verdict — Is the iPad 4th Gen (2012) Worth Buying in 2026?
No — the iPad 4th Gen (2012) is absolutely not worth buying in 2026, at any price.
This iPad is more than 10 years old, capped at iOS 10, and has been without security updates since July 2019. That means it has been unsupported and vulnerable for over six years. Even if you find one for under $100 on eBay or Craigslist, the low price does not justify the serious security risks, lack of app compatibility, and zero remaining usable lifespan.
The fact that there are no Certified Used or Refurbished iPad 4th Gen models available is not a coincidence — professional refurbishers have stopped supporting this device entirely because it no longer makes economic or technical sense to repair or certify it.
UpTrade’s recommendation is clear:
Do not buy the iPad 4th Gen in 2026. Instead, spend a little more on a Certified Used / Refurbished iPad 8th Gen (2020) starting around $130+. The iPad 8th Gen supports iPadOS 26, receives ongoing security updates, runs modern apps smoothly, and will remain safe and usable for years to come.
Buying a supported, certified device isn’t just about performance — it’s about protecting your data, your money, and your long-term experience.
FAQs — iPad 4th Gen (2012) in 2026
1. Is the iPad 4th Gen outdated?
Yes. In 2026, the iPad 4th Gen is completely outdated. It no longer supports modern iPadOS versions and has been out of security updates for more than six years.
2. What iOS does the iPad 4th Gen run?
The iPad 4th Gen is capped at iOS 10, which was released in 2016. It cannot be upgraded to iPadOS or any newer iOS versions.
3. Is the iPad 4th Gen still supported by Apple?
No. Apple ended software and security support for the iPad 4th Gen in July 2019. It no longer receives updates of any kind.
4. Is it safe to use an iPad 4th Gen in 2026?
No. Because it no longer receives security updates, using the iPad 4th Gen on modern Wi-Fi networks or signing into accounts can expose users to security risks.
5. Why are there no refurbished iPad 4th Gen models?
Professional refurbishers have stopped supporting this model due to its age, obsolete software, degraded batteries, and lack of replacement parts. It does not make economic sense to refurbish or certify it.
6. Is buying an iPad 4th Gen from eBay or Craigslist a good idea?
No. These devices are uncertified, usually have worn-out batteries, offer no warranty, and come with serious security and reliability risks.
7. What can the iPad 4th Gen still be used for?
At best, it can function offline for very limited tasks such as viewing old photos or playing local media. It is not suitable for modern apps, web browsing, or online services.
8. What is the best alternative to the iPad 4th Gen in 2026?
The iPad 8th Gen (2020) is the best budget alternative. Starting around $130+ Certified Used / Refurbished, it supports iPadOS 26, receives security updates, and delivers a vastly better and safer experience.
9. Is the iPad 8th Gen worth paying more for?
Yes. Spending a little more on a Certified Used or Refurbished iPad 8th Gen provides modern software support, better performance, a larger display, and several more years of usability — making it far better value in the long run.
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