Honestly, the tech world moves way too fast. One minute you're holding the "future of computing," and the next, your device is basically a glorified paperweight for some. But then there’s the Apple iPad Air 4th gen. Released back in 2020, this thing was a massive pivot for Apple. It was the first time the "Air" line actually started looking like the "Pro" line.
No home button. Flat edges. USB-C.
It felt fresh then. Now, in early 2026, the conversation has changed. People are obsessed with M2, M3, and the latest M5 chips, but they often overlook what this A14 Bionic machine can still actually do. Is it still a "Pro" alternative, or is it just another aging tablet in a crowded market? Let's get into the reality of using one right now.
Why the Apple iPad Air 4th gen Still Matters Today
Most people think that if a chip isn't "M-series," it's trash. That is just wrong. The A14 Bionic inside the Apple iPad Air 4th gen was the same silicon that powered the iPhone 12. While it doesn't have the insane overhead of a desktop-class chip, it’s surprisingly snappy for 90% of what people actually do on tablets.
If you're jumping between Reddit, Safari, and a few Word docs, you literally won't notice the difference between this and an Air 5. It handles iPadOS 26 just fine. Apple’s long-term software support is legendary, and the Air 4 is living proof of that. You're still getting security patches and modern features, though you do miss out on the ultra-heavy "Stage Manager" external display stuff that the M-series chips hog for themselves.
The Screen is Still the Sweet Spot
The 10.9-inch Liquid Retina display is, frankly, great. It’s fully laminated. That sounds like marketing jargon, but it basically means there is no air gap between the glass and the pixels. When you write with an Apple Pencil (2nd Gen), it feels like the ink is coming right out of the nib.
Cheaper iPads—even some newer base models—still use non-laminated screens that feel hollow and "clicky" when you tap them. The Air 4 doesn't have that problem. It has P3 wide color and True Tone, making it a better movie-watching machine than most modern budget tablets.
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What Nobody Talks About: The Storage Trap
Here is the "gotcha" that no one mentioned in the 2020 reviews.
The base model comes with 64GB. In 2026, 64GB is tiny.
Between the system files for iPadOS 26 and a few high-res photos, you’re basically left with enough room for three games and a handful of apps. If you are hunting for a used Apple iPad Air 4th gen, do not buy the 64GB version unless you live entirely in the cloud. You’ll spend half your life deleting cached data just to download a Netflix movie for a flight.
The 256GB model is the only one that actually makes sense for long-term use.
Battery Health in the Wild
Batteries die. It's a chemical fact. If you're buying a used Air 4 today, you're likely looking at a unit with 80-85% maximum capacity. Users on forums like Reddit often report getting about 6-7 hours of real-world use now, down from the original 10-hour promise.
If you find a deal for under $200, it’s a steal, but factor in the $99 or so it might cost to get the battery swapped at a service center. Heat is the enemy here. A lot of these units were used for heavy gaming or "work from home" setups where they were plugged in 24/7, which roasts the cells over time.
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Apple iPad Air 4th gen vs. The Newcomers
Let's look at the landscape. Right now, you can find a refurbished Apple iPad Air 4th gen for around $250 to $280. For that same money, you might be looking at a brand-new base model iPad (like the 11th gen with an A16 chip).
| Feature | iPad Air 4 (Used/Refurb) | Base iPad (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Display | Laminated, Anti-reflective | Non-laminated, Air gap |
| Pencil | Apple Pencil 2 (Magnetic) | USB-C Pencil (Usually) |
| Biometrics | Touch ID in Power Button | Touch ID in Power Button |
| Design | Slim, Premium | Slightly Chunkier |
The Air 4 still wins on the "feel" of the device. The base iPads always feel a bit like toys in comparison. But, the newer base models have better front-facing cameras. The Air 4 has its camera on the "short" side, which makes you look like you're staring off into space during a Zoom call in landscape mode. It's annoying.
Real-World Performance Limits
Can you edit 4K video on an Apple iPad Air 4th gen? Yes.
Should you? Probably not.
If you're using LumaFusion for a quick social media clip, the A14 handles it. But once you start layering 10-bit footage or using heavy effects, the 4GB of RAM becomes a massive bottleneck. The iPad will just close the app to save itself.
It’s a student’s dream, though. It fits perfectly in a backpack. It works with the Magic Keyboard (the expensive one with the trackpad). It’s essentially a very thin, very light digital notebook. For artists, the Apple Pencil 2 support is the "killer feature" because of how it charges on the side. No more plugging your pencil into the bottom of the iPad like a weird lollipop.
The Verdict on Longevity
We’re likely looking at another two years of solid OS updates for the Apple iPad Air 4th gen. After that, it’ll settle into "security update only" mode. That’s okay. A tablet doesn't stop working just because it doesn't have the latest emoji or a slightly different lock screen font.
The build quality is exceptional. Aside from some rare reports of "screen flex" if you press really hard with a stylus, these things are built like tanks. The aluminum enclosure doesn't creak. The USB-C port is sturdy. It feels like a piece of professional equipment even half a decade later.
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Actionable Next Steps
If you're thinking about pulling the trigger on one of these, do these three things first:
- Check the Serial Number: Ask the seller for the serial and run it through Apple’s "Check Coverage" site. This confirms it’s not a knock-off and shows if it has any remaining AppleCare+ (rare, but happens).
- Verify Storage: Seriously. Avoid 64GB. Search specifically for "iPad Air 4 256GB" to save yourself the headache of "Storage Full" notifications in six months.
- Test the Touch ID: The power button on the Air 4 is a bit more complex than older models because it houses the fingerprint sensor. Make sure it clicks properly and registers fingers quickly. If that button fails, getting into your iPad becomes a massive chore of typing in passcodes every thirty seconds.
The Apple iPad Air 4th gen isn't the shiny new toy anymore. It’s the reliable, seasoned vet. If you want the "Pro" look and the "Pro" screen without the $1,000 price tag, this is still one of the smartest buys you can make on the secondary market. Just watch out for that battery health and you'll be golden.
Final Check: Ensure any used purchase is wiped of its Activation Lock. If a seller says they "forgot the password" but the iPad works, run away. It's a brick waiting to happen. Stick to reputable refurbished sites or local meetups where you can test the device in person before handing over any cash.