I want to buy a mini iPad 4 for school use for my daughter, do you recommend this iPad?

I want to buy an iPad 4 for my daughter for school use. Is this a good one to have

Posted on Nov 16, 2023 3:47 PM

Reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Posted on Nov 16, 2023 5:46 PM

An iPad mini4 - along with other older models - may be a poor choice.


The iPad mini4 is limited in its ability to be updated - as it cannot be updated beyond iPadOS 15.8. iPadOS 17.1.1 is current. As such, this limitation has implications for both device security - and the potential availability of compatible Apps.


You would be best advised to consider a much newer or current model.


For information, here is a list of the highest version of iOS/iPadOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:


32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)


64-bit devices

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.8

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.2


Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.1.1

  • iPad Pro 12.9" (2nd generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 10.5"
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (6th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)


1 reply
Question marked as Top-ranking reply

Nov 16, 2023 5:46 PM in response to marios68

An iPad mini4 - along with other older models - may be a poor choice.


The iPad mini4 is limited in its ability to be updated - as it cannot be updated beyond iPadOS 15.8. iPadOS 17.1.1 is current. As such, this limitation has implications for both device security - and the potential availability of compatible Apps.


You would be best advised to consider a much newer or current model.


For information, here is a list of the highest version of iOS/iPadOS supported by the older models of iPad (for simplicity - “generations” are shortened to a number) that are restricted in their ability to be updated:


32-bit devices (obsolete)

iPad1 - iOS 5.1.1

iPad2, iPad3 and iPad mini1 - iOS 9.3.5 (WiFi Only models), iOS 9.3.6 (WiFi & Cellular)

iPad4 - iOS 10.3.3 (WiFi Only), iOS 10.3.4 (WiFi & Cellular)


64-bit devices

iPad Air1, iPad mini2 and iPad mini3 - iOS 12.5.7

iPad Air2, iPad mini4 - iPadOS 15.8

iPad5, iPad Pro (9.7"/12.9" first generation) - iPadOS 16.7.2


Newer models are all able to be updated to the current version - iPadOS 17.1.1

  • iPad Pro 12.9" (2nd generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 11" (1st generation and later)
  • iPad Pro 10.5"
  • iPad Air (3rd generation and later)
  • iPad (6th generation and later)
  • iPad mini (5th generation and later)


This thread has been closed by the system or the community team. You may vote for any posts you find helpful, or search the Community for additional answers.

I want to buy a mini iPad 4 for school use for my daughter, do you recommend this iPad?

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple Account.