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SW3029

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 22, 2019
515
2,636
I'm wondering if buying an iPad Air 4th gen right now is a wise move? Or will we almost certainly see a spec bump to an A15 chip this October (if no other new features)?

Opinions welcome!
 

colinphelps

macrumors newbie
Jul 8, 2021
16
5
NSW, Australia
In my experience of managing Apple technology since 2015, there are no certainties.
I have found it frustrating from a business perspective that Apple cannot/will not share product roadmaps.
My suggestion is that if you have a need, buy it now.
Apple support the devices for OS updates, etc will past their effective use lifespan so you should be okay.
If you don't have a need right now, then waiting is an option.
 
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ericwn

macrumors G5
Apr 24, 2016
12,118
10,912
Really not sure how they will continue with the Air line next. If performance is a concern, maybe consider a Pro model. In addition, I’d buy when you need it and wouldn’t worry about performance for everyday tasks, any modern iPad is pretty capable already.
 

sracer

macrumors G4
Apr 9, 2010
10,405
13,290
where hip is spoken
If you need one and don’t stress over not having the newest and best, then sure. Still a great tablet and will be for years to come. But if you’re the type who will look at your year old model with disgust and embarrassment, just wait a little longer or get the Pro.
This. Apple and their fans have done a masterful job of fomenting FOMO (fear of missing out). What I find interesting is that many of the same people who suffer from FOMO also look for how to "future-proof" (as if that was an actual thing) their purchases. Those two things contradict each other. :p

To the OP, if you have examined the Air 4 and it meets your needs then go out and buy it. It's a great device. If you can wait a few weeks or a month, wait for a sale. All iPads periodically go on sale.
 

usagora

macrumors 601
Nov 17, 2017
4,869
4,456
What I find interesting is that many of the same people who suffer from FOMO also look for how to "future-proof" (as if that was an actual thing) their purchases. Those two things contradict each other. :p

I believe that's a compromise for people with FOMO who can't afford to finance their FOMO every time it occurs by buying a brand new device ;)
 

rui no onna

Contributor
Oct 25, 2013
14,920
13,269
To the OP, if you have examined the Air 4 and it meets your needs then go out and buy it. It's a great device. If you can wait a few weeks or a month, wait for a sale. All iPads periodically go on sale.

It's on sale right now at Amazon.

64GB Wi-Fi $539

256GB Wi-Fi $639 Rose Gold, $699 others

I believe military get even better deals on the Exchange.
 
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fitcious

macrumors 6502
Nov 2, 2014
314
288
I would suggest buying a 2018 or 2020 iPad Pro 11 inch. Better performance with more speakers and better screen. I got mine used off here for $450, 11 inch, 256, wifi+cellular
 
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Wizec

macrumors 6502a
Jun 30, 2019
680
778
I just bought one. It’s awesome. Much faster than my old 2018 Pro and the screen is identical except for 120hz refresh, which to me doesn’t matter.

I do not recommend a 2018/2020 Pro.

I also have an M1 2021 Pro, the Air 4 is awesome.
 
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mi7chy

macrumors G4
Oct 24, 2014
10,626
11,298
I’d wait a few months for iPad Air refresh plus 2020 model will be priced lower if you go that route.

Or, as another person suggested better to consider a 2020 iPad Pro 11 256GB that I see go for ~$700 NIB. Or, 2021 M1 512GB for $800 NIB which is what I paid.
 
Last edited:

0128672

Cancelled
Apr 16, 2020
5,962
4,783
It's on sale right now at Amazon.

64GB Wi-Fi $539

256GB Wi-Fi $639 Rose Gold, $699 others

I believe military get even better deals on the Exchange.
And when it's on sale at Amazon, another option is to take advantage of local price match policies at places like Best Buy, Target, etc.
 

Falhófnir

macrumors 603
Aug 19, 2017
6,146
7,001
I’d wait a few months for iPad Air refresh plus 2020 model will be priced lower if you go that route.

Or, as another person suggested better to consider a 2020 iPad Pro 11 256GB that I see go for ~$700 NIB. Or, 2011 M1 512GB for $800 NIB which is what I paid.
Doesn't sound like the Air is being refreshed this year, it's the mini's turn after it was skipped last year.
 

Crow_Servo

macrumors 6502a
Feb 17, 2018
982
1,308
America
Do it.

The next Air is rumored to be OLED, and it’ll probably get 6GB RAM. Maybe A15 if it’s released in the spring or A16 if it’s released in the fall.

Of course, the Pro is supposedly getting some redesigns next fall, so there’s that too.

Looking at what’s coming soon is paralyzing. I could’ve waited for the 2021 Pro, but I instead got the Air right when it came out last year. I’m very pleased with it. I’d say the only thing I feel like I’m missing out on is the Center Stage feature on the front camera that the Pro got this year. Other than that, no complaints.
 

Isengardtom

macrumors 65816
Feb 14, 2009
1,351
2,196
Even if a spec bump comes, the A15 won’t see much improvement in day to day over the A14. And a redesign is not going to happen for years
 
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xxray

macrumors 68040
Jul 27, 2013
3,115
9,412
 

snipr125

macrumors 68020
Oct 17, 2015
2,014
3,135
UK
It's on sale right now at Amazon.

64GB Wi-Fi $539

256GB Wi-Fi $639 Rose Gold, $699 others

I believe military get even better deals on the Exchange.
$539 = £391, that is just incredible value for money for an Ipad Air 4. To the OP, i got one and its just fantastic to use. In conjunction with the Apple Magic Keyboard, which you can get later on, the experience is even better.
 

Frankras

macrumors regular
Mar 9, 2012
222
153
I just bought one. It’s awesome. Much faster than my old 2018 Pro and the screen is identical except for 120hz refresh, which to me doesn’t matter.

I do not recommend a 2018/2020 Pro.

I also have an M1 2021 Pro, the Air 4 is awesome.
Agree. Just got the Air 4 over the pro 2020. Air 4 is all I needed I’m not the type making lots of heavy stuff but if I want the Air 4 can handle that to.
 
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MhaelK

macrumors regular
Jan 21, 2015
186
256
The iPad Air is a great tablet, but unless you really need it or if you Can find it on a great sale, I personally would not buy it now, for several reasons.

It has been almost a year since it was refreashed and the A15 is just around the corner, so I personally expect a specs upgrade even if the OLED version isnt comming until 2022. At only 64gb storage in the base model I would want to upgrade storage, bringing the Price up in the 11inch iPP M1 range, and here I would personally value the M1, extra ram and better screen higher than the 256gb storage Of the Air.
 
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