What are all the differences between the iPad 4th Gen models? Should I still buy an iPad 4th Gen or should I buy a newer iPad?

Please note that Apple discontinued the iPad 4th Gen (iPad 4/Late 2012) models entirely on October 22, 2013, re-introduced a 16 GB configuration on March 18, 2014, and finally discontinued it again on October 16, 2014. This Q&A has been updated subsequently with current iOS support and more and can be quite useful for anyone purchasing one of these models on the used market.

As documented by EveryiPad.com, there are three different iPad 4th Gen models -- the iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi Only), iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS), intended for use on AT&T's (and later T-Mobile's) network in the US, and the iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS), intended for use on Verizon or Sprint's networks in the US.

The iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS) also was sold in Canada (for use on Bell, Rogers and Telus), but in general, the iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) was the model sold outside of North America. However, both of the iPad 4th Gen models with cellular data capability were sold "unlocked" and are capable of running on any compatible network.

Although all three models look nearly identical, there are important differences in connectivity and identification as well as battery life, price, and more.

Photo Credit: Apple, Inc.

Device Similarities

All iPad 4th Gen models have either 16 GB, 32 GB or 64 GB of storage capacity and are available with either a black or white glass front and an aluminum back.

The entire iPad 4th Gen line has the same 9.7-inch 2048x1536 (264 ppi) LED-backlit "Retina" display with IPS technology, are powered by a dual core 1.4 GHz Apple A6X processor with quad core graphics and have 1 GB of RAM. All also have dual cameras -- a rear-mounted 5 megapixel "iSight" camera capable of shooting both stills and 1080p video and a front-mounted 1.2 megapixel "FaceTime HD" camera that is capable of taking both stills and 720p video.

Other similarities include a "Lightning" port for power and connecting the device to a computer, if desired, support for 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 4.0 as well as an accelerometer, a three-axis gyroscope, an ambient light sensor, digital compass, a mono speaker and a built-in microphone.

iOS Support Similarities

iPad 4th Gen devices were originally shipped with a version of iOS 6 and are fully supported by iOS 7, with the exception of the "Panorama" and "Filters in Camera" photographic features. The iPad 4th Gen doesn't support the earlier Panorama capability when running iOS 6, either.

All other basic iOS 7 features are fully supported (Control Center, Notification Center, and Multitasking, as well as Safari and iTunes Radio). The iPad 4th Gen models also support AirDrop, Filters in Photos, and more advanced photo functionality that Apple calls "square and video formats and swipe to capture."

The iPad 4th Gen also almost is fully supported by iOS 8 with the exception of the "Health" and "Apple Pay" features. It continues to support Siri running iOS 7 and iOS 8, as well.

The iPad 4th Gen supports iOS 9, too, with the majority of functionality supported -- including Spotlight and Siri improvements -- but the advanced multitasking features -- Slide Over and Split View -- are not supported.

The iPad 4th Gen supports iOS 10, but does not support Raise to Wake, Rich Notifications, or Ride-Booking.

Finally, the iPad 4th Gen models do not support iOS 11 or later versions of the iOS at all.

Identification Differences

It is simple to visually differentiate between the Wi-Fi only and the cellular capable iPad 4th Gen models, as the Wi-Fi only model has a solid aluminum back and the cellular models have a plastic portion at the top of the case for cellular transmission.

However, it is not possible to visually differentiate between the iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS) and the iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) by design or features. It is simple to differentiate the iPad 4th Gen from earlier models by the "Lightning" port on the bottom of the iPad 4th Gen, but other iPad models also have a Lightning port so this is not a good long-term method for identification.

Consequently, one of the best methods for external identification is via Model Number. Model numbers are provided in tiny type toward the bottom of the back of each iPad.

The iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi Only), is model number A1458, the iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS) is model number A1459, and the iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) is model number A1460.

The iPad 4th Gen models can be differentiated by other identifiers as well, such as the Order Number, which can be located by selecting the Settings app and pressing General > About and scrolling down to what is specified as "Model" within the iOS. For example, the Wi-Fi only configuration of the iPad 4th Gen in black with 16 GB of storage is MD510LL/A.

To pinpoint an exact iPad 4th Gen by a variety of different identifiers -- including its Serial Number -- please refer to the Ultimate iLookup feature.

Connectivity & Battery Life Differences

The iPad 4th Gen models are differentiated by connectivity and battery life.

The iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi Only) solely supports dual band 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz 802.11n Wi-Fi, whereas the iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS) and iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) support dual band 802.11a/b/g/n Wi-Fi, 4G LTE cellular data networking, A-GPS and GLONASS. While using Wi-Fi, all models support a maximum of ten hours of battery life, but the cellular data capable models only support a maximum of nine hours of battery life using cellular connectivity.

In the US, the A1459 iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS) cellular capability is intended to work only on AT&T and T-Mobile, although it is unlocked, and also is offered in Canada on Bell, Rogers and Telus. Specifically, it supports 4G LTE (bands 4 and 17), as well as GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) and UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz).

Also in the US, the A1460 iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) cellular capability is intended to work only on Verizon and Sprint, although it was sold unlocked and also was available from a large number of other carriers around the world. Specifically, it supports 4G LTE (bands 1, 3, 5, 13, and 25), as well as CDMA EV-DO Rev. A and Rev. B (800, 1900, 2100 MHz), GSM/EDGE (850, 900, 1800, 1900 MHz) and UMTS/HSPA+/DC-HSDPA (850, 900, 1900, 2100 MHz).

Originally Pricing Differences

As originally shipped, black and white models both originally cost the same amount. Pricing is differentiated by capacity and connectivity alone:

Capacity:	16 GB	32 GB	64 GB
Price with Wi-Fi Only:	US$499	US$599	US$699
Price with Wi-Fi, 4G (AT&T) & GPS/GLONASS:	US$629	US$729	US$829
Price with Wi-Fi, 4G (VZ/Sprint) & GPS/GLONASS:	US$629	US$729	US$829

The final 16 GB configurations of the iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi Only) were US$399 and the (iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/AT&T/GPS), and iPad 4th Gen (Wi-Fi/Verizon & Sprint/GPS) were US$529 until they were discontinued on October 16, 2014.

For pricing details in dozens of other countries, please refer to the iPad specs page for the device of interest as well as EveryiPad.com's Global Original Prices section.

Comparison Summary

At the time it was introduced, any of the iPad 4th Gen models were a solid choice for a tablet computer, particularly if you didn't mind the modestly larger size compared to the smaller subsequently introduced iPad Air and iPad mini models.

If you intend to use any iPad in an environment with Wi-Fi, a Wi-Fi only model should be sufficient. Alternately, if you plan to use your iPad on the go in places without Wi-Fi, choosing one of the 4G LTE capable models would be better. Carrier coverage can vary significantly from area to area, and you should choose whichever carrier provides the best coverage where you live and intend to use the device.

Well, should I still buy an iPad 4th Gen or should I buy a newer iPad?

At this point, because the iPad 4th Gen models no longer support a recent version of the iOS, app support will continue to wane accordingly.

If games are important in particular, a newer model definitely would be a better choice as the iPad 4th Gen is significantly slower than subsequently introduced iPad Air models. Just for the sake of reference, the original iPad Air is roughly 88% faster than the iPad 4th Gen.

Current apps may not run and the iPad 4th Gen only remains usable for someone with modest needs. Most users would be better off buying a newer iPad.

iPad Purchase Options

There are many options to buy an iPad 4th Gen. However, purchasing from a quality company with extensive Apple knowledge -- and after sales support -- will provide the best experience and save you money and time, too.

In the US, site sponsor Adorama sells new iPad models with free shipping. Other World Computing sells used and refurb iPad models at bargain prices with free shipping, as well. Finally, if you need to sell an iPad, A+ BBB-rated Cash for Your Mac and GoRoostr will buy your older iPad with an instant quote and prompt payment.

In the UK, site sponsor Hoxton Macs has a large number of used and refurbished iPad models with a one-year warranty and free next day delivery throughout the UK. Delivery across Europe also is available starting at just £9.99 for two-day delivery to France and Germany.

Please also see EveryiPad.com's Ultimate iComparison feature to dynamically compare any iPad to any other iPod, iPhone, or iPad (new or old alike).