Introduction — Is iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) Still Worth Buying in 2026?
The iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) was a major redesign when it launched, introducing the modern all-screen look, USB-C, and Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) support to the Air lineup. Fast-forward to 2026, and many buyers are asking a simple question: is the iPad Air 4th Gen still worth buying today?
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, Certified Used / Refurbished iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) models have dropped to around $270+, a massive reduction from its original $599 launch price. At this level, it sits in a very attractive value tier — especially for buyers who want a premium Apple tablet experience without paying near-new prices.
Even more importantly, the iPad Air 4th Gen supports iPadOS 26, meaning it still receives the latest features, security updates, and app compatibility in 2026. That continued software support makes it a safe and relevant choice, not an outdated one.
If you’re shopping for a reliable, well-designed tablet for school, work, or everyday use — and you’re open to buying Certified Used or Refurbished — the iPad Air 4th Gen deserves serious consideration.
Quick Verdict — Should You Buy the iPad Air 4th Gen in 2026?
Yes — the iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) is still worth buying in 2026, especially at $270+.
Why it makes sense:
- Excellent value at $270+ Certified Used / Refurbished
- Supports iPadOS 26, ensuring modern apps and security
- Premium design, solid performance, and Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) support
What to keep in mind:
- Uses the A14 Bionic (not an M-series chip)
- No 5G connectivity (Wi-Fi or LTE only)
UpTrade recommendation:
If you’re on a tighter budget, the iPad Air 4th Gen is an easy recommendation in 2026. However, if you have a bit of flexibility, stepping up to the iPad Air 5th Gen (2022) — starting around $300+ Certified Used / Refurbished — gets you the M1 chip and optional 5G, making it the more future-proof option.
iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) — Key Specs That Still Matter in 2026
Even in 2026, the iPad Air 4th Gen holds up surprisingly well thanks to a combination of smart design choices and still-capable hardware. Apple got a lot right with this generation, and those decisions continue to pay off years later.
At the core is the A14 Bionic chip, which was Apple’s first 5nm processor. While it doesn’t match the raw power of newer M-series chips, it remains more than capable for everyday tasks like web browsing, streaming, note-taking, document editing, light photo work, and casual gaming. For most users, performance still feels smooth and responsive.
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is another standout that has aged well. It’s sharp, color-accurate, and large enough for productivity and entertainment without making the device feel bulky. Paired with the modern, edge-to-edge design, the iPad Air 4th Gen still looks current next to much newer models.
Other features that continue to matter in 2026 include:
- Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) support, ideal for students and note-takers
- USB-C port, making charging and accessories more convenient
- Touch ID integrated into the power button, which remains fast and reliable
In short, while it’s no longer cutting-edge, the iPad Air 4th Gen delivers a balanced experience that comfortably meets the needs of most users in 2026 — especially at its current Certified Used / Refurbished pricing.
Software Support & Longevity — Why iPadOS 26 Changes the Equation
One of the biggest reasons the iPad Air 4th Gen is still worth buying in 2026 is software support.
The device officially supports iPadOS 26, which means buyers aren’t locked into an outdated operating system. This matters more than many people realize. Continued OS support ensures:
- Compatibility with the latest apps
- Ongoing security updates
- Access to new productivity and multitasking features
- Better long-term resale value
Apple’s long software support window is a major advantage when buying Certified Used or Refurbished devices, and the iPad Air 4th Gen benefits directly from that policy. In practical terms, this tablet still feels “current” in daily use, not like a legacy device being kept alive artificially.
While it may not receive updates as long as M-series iPads, the remaining lifespan is still meaningful for buyers planning to use the device for several more years. For students, families, or anyone upgrading from an older iPad, iPadOS 26 support makes the iPad Air 4th Gen a safe and sensible purchase in 2026.
iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) vs iPad Air 5th Gen (2022) — Which One Should You Buy in 2026?
The iPad Air 4th Gen and iPad Air 5th Gen look nearly identical on the outside, but there are meaningful differences under the hood that can impact long-term value in 2026. With both models now widely available as Certified Used or Refurbished, the decision comes down to budget vs future-proofing.
Specs Comparison
| Feature |
iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) |
iPad Air 5th Gen (2022) |
| Launch Year |
2020 |
2022 |
| Current Price (Certified Used / Refurbished) |
~$270+ |
~$300+ |
| Chipset |
A14 Bionic (5nm) |
Apple M1 |
| Performance Level (2026) |
Good for everyday use |
Excellent, laptop-class |
| Display |
10.9" Liquid Retina |
10.9" Liquid Retina |
| Refresh Rate |
60Hz |
60Hz |
| Apple Pencil Support |
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) |
Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) |
| Keyboard Support |
Magic Keyboard |
Magic Keyboard |
| Storage Options |
64GB, 256GB |
64GB, 256GB |
| Cellular Options |
Wi-Fi, LTE |
Wi-Fi, 5G |
| USB Port |
USB-C |
USB-C |
| Touch ID |
Power button |
Power button |
| Front Camera |
7MP FaceTime HD |
12MP Ultra Wide (Center Stage) |
| Rear Camera |
12MP |
12MP |
| iPadOS 26 Support |
Yes |
Yes |
| Expected Longevity |
Moderate |
Longer-term |
Performance: A14 vs M1
The iPad Air 4th Gen runs on Apple’s A14 Bionic, which is still perfectly capable for everyday tasks like browsing, streaming, note-taking, and light productivity. For most users, it delivers smooth and reliable performance.
The iPad Air 5th Gen, however, takes a major leap forward with the M1 chip. This brings laptop-class performance, significantly better multitasking, and stronger long-term software support. If you plan to use your iPad for heavier workloads — such as photo editing, video work, or extended multitasking — the M1 makes a noticeable difference.
Connectivity: Wi-Fi vs 5G
Another key upgrade with the iPad Air 5th Gen is 5G support on cellular models. This is a meaningful advantage for users who rely on mobile connectivity for work or travel. The iPad Air 4th Gen is limited to Wi-Fi or LTE, which is still fine for home and school use but less future-proof.
Longevity & Software Support
Both models support iPadOS 26, but the M1-powered iPad Air 5th Gen is expected to receive major OS updates for longer. This translates to a longer usable lifespan and potentially better resale value down the road.
Price & Value Comparison
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker:
- iPad Air 4th Gen (2020): ~$270+ Certified Used / Refurbished
- iPad Air 5th Gen (2022): ~$300+ Certified Used / Refurbished
That ~$30 price difference is surprisingly small given the jump in performance and longevity offered by the M1 chip and 5G support.
UpTrade Recommendation
- Choose the iPad Air 4th Gen if you want the best value under $300 and your usage is focused on everyday tasks, schoolwork, and media consumption.
- Choose the iPad Air 5th Gen if you can stretch your budget slightly and want maximum longevity, M1 performance, and optional 5G.
For many buyers in 2026, the iPad Air 4th Gen is an excellent deal — but the iPad Air 5th Gen often represents the smarter long-term investment for just a bit more money.
Conclusion — Is the iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) Worth Buying in 2026?
Yes — the iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) is absolutely worth buying in 2026, especially at $270+ Certified Used / Refurbished pricing.
According to the UpTrade Price Tracker, the iPad Air 4th Gen has fallen from its original $599 launch price to around $270+, placing it firmly in a high-value sweet spot. At this price, buyers get a modern design, solid A14 performance, Apple Pencil (2nd Gen) support, USB-C, and — most importantly — full support for iPadOS 26.
For students, families, and everyday users, this combination delivers excellent value without feeling outdated. The iPad Air 4th Gen remains a safe, capable, and well-supported tablet that can easily handle daily productivity, media consumption, and light creative work in 2026.
That said, if you have a little more room in your budget, the Certified Used / Refurbished iPad Air 5th Gen (2022) — starting around $300+ — is the more future-proof option. Its M1 chip and 5G support provide noticeably better longevity for just a small price increase.
UpTrade’s final recommendation:
Either way, buying Certified Used or Refurbished through UpTrade helps you compare trusted sellers and upgrade with confidence — without paying new-device prices.
FAQs — iPad Air 4th Gen (2020) in 2026
1. How old is an iPad Air 4th generation?
The iPad Air 4th Gen was released in 2020, which makes it about six years old in 2026. Despite its age, it remains relevant thanks to continued software support and capable hardware.
2. Is the iPad Air 4th generation still good?
Yes. The iPad Air 4th Gen is still very good for everyday use in 2026. It supports iPadOS 26, which is designed for 2026, and handles browsing, streaming, note-taking, schoolwork, and light productivity smoothly — especially when purchased Certified Used or Refurbished.
3. Is the iPad Air 4th Gen still supported in 2026?
Yes. The iPad Air 4th Gen supports iPadOS 26, meaning it continues to receive modern features, app compatibility, and security updates in 2026.
4. How long will the iPad Air 4 be supported?
While Apple doesn’t publish exact timelines, the iPad Air 4th Gen is expected to receive software and security updates for approximately 1–2 more years, potentially until 2027 or 2028.
5. Is it safe to buy a refurbished iPad Air 4th Gen?
Yes — as long as you buy Certified Used or Refurbished units from trusted sellers. These devices are professionally tested, cleaned, and typically include a warranty, making them much safer than buying from individual sellers.
6. Is the iPad Air 4th Gen good enough for students?
Absolutely. It supports Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), runs iPadOS 26 smoothly, and works well for note-taking, research, streaming, and schoolwork in 2026.
7. What is the difference between the iPad Air 4th generation and 5th generation?
The biggest differences are performance and connectivity. The iPad Air 5th Gen features Apple’s M1 chip and 5G support, while the iPad Air 4th Gen uses the A14 chip and is limited to Wi-Fi or LTE. The 5th Gen is more future-proof, while the 4th Gen offers better value at a lower price.
8. Should I get an iPad Air 4 or 5?
Choose the iPad Air 4th Gen if you want the best value at $270+ and mostly use your iPad for everyday tasks.
Choose the iPad Air 5th Gen if you can spend around $300+ and want stronger performance, longer longevity, and optional 5G support.
Sale
