In 2026, the iPad 4 mini officially reached "Legacy" status. While it was once the pinnacle of portable tablets, its hardware (A8 chip) is now over a decade old. As of 2026, Apple no longer supports iPadOS updates for it, meaning most modern banking, social media, and productivity apps will no longer run on it.
At Kara, we recommend considering the iPad Mini 6 or iPad Mini 7 as modern, high-performance replacements.
Because the iPad Mini 4 is an outdated model, it is no longer sold as "Brand New." It is only available in the UK-Used or Refurbished market.
⚠️ Warning: We do not recommend buying the iPad Mini 4 for professional or educational use in 2026. The battery life on used units is often poor, and the lack of security updates makes your data vulnerable.
If you are currently searching for an iPad Mini 4 or iPad Air 2, you are looking at hardware that cannot handle the demands of 2026 apps. Here are the recommended Apple replacements:
If you love the small form factor of the Mini 4, the iPad Mini 6 is the logical upgrade. It features the modern "All-Screen" design, USB-C charging, and the A15 Bionic chip.
The newest small tablet in the lineup. It supports the latest Apple Intelligence features and has a significantly brighter display than the Mini 4.
If you want a modern iPad at the lowest possible price point for a new device, the 10th Gen iPad is much faster and more durable than any older Mini model.
While the apple ipad mini 4 served as a great "kiddies ipad" or basic e-reader for years, it is time to move forward. For university students or professionals in Nigeria, investing in an iPad Mini 6th Generation or an iPad Air ensures that your tablet remains functional, secure, and compatible with the Apple Pencil for years to come.