Skip to main content

Digital Trends may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site. Why trust us?

Here’s how to buy the iPad (2020) and iPad Air 4

The iPad (2020) and iPad Air 4 were some of the best tablets to hit the market in 2020. Both options have a lot to offer those looking for a standard-sized iPad, whether you want cost savings or lots of extra performance. If you’re looking to pick up a new iPad we can help out with the best ways to buy (and some extra advice on getting deals). Here’s everything you need to know.

Recommended Videos

Buying the iPad (2020)

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Note that you don’t have to buy from Apple. Major retailers are also carrying the newest iPad models. You can get it from Amazon if you prefer (there are also cellular models available). Here’s where to buy from Target, and here’s where you can get it on Best Buy.

These stores may be a better choice if you are part of their loyalty programs or have credits you can use to help with your purchase. However, Apple is a great default option because it’s very easy to customize, add engravings if you want, and purchase AppleCare for an extended warranty.

Buy the iPad Air 4

Image used with permission by copyright holder

The iPad Air 4 can be bought directly from Apple like all current Apple products. You can also purchase the new iPad Air 4 from the same third-party retailers as mentioned above. You can find it at Target, BestBuy, and Walmart. As noted before, you may prefer these locations if you participate in reward programs or retailer credit cards.

Looking for deals? Remember to trade-in

Image used with permission by copyright holder

New Apple devices, and Apple products in general, don’t usually have that many deals. However, there is one way that you can guarantee that you save when buying a new iPad — combine it with a trade-in of an old Apple device.

Any Apple trade-in will do, but it’s especially handy to give up an old iPad in exchange for the new model. First, visit the Apple Trade-In site and select the type of device that you want to trade. Apple will then ask you some basic questions about the model, so try to have the serial number at hand if possible. You can then choose to get an Apple Store online credit that you can apply to the purchase of a new iPad, and Apple will send you a box to send your device back to the company.

Amounts can vary based on the age of the device and wear and tear, but an iPad (2019) in good condition can help you net more than $200 toward buying a new model! The actual credit does vary with time and may decrease as time passes or demand changes, so it’s important to trade-in as soon as you can.

Otherwise, you can wait for around the holidays. You might get a special deal for extra money on a trade-in, or companies like Target or Best Buy may offer gift cards along with the purchase of a new iPad, as they have many years in the past. It won’t count as a major discount, but every bit helps.

Looking for accessories?

Image used with permission by copyright holder

Need some new accessories to go with your new iPad? Apple will recommend a couple when you make your purchase, but for the full list, you will want to visit the iPad accessories page.

Remember that compatibility varies between the iPad (2020) and the Air 4. For example, the Air 4 is compatible with the latest Smart Folio keyboard with a trackpad, while the iPad only works with the older Smart Keyboard, and different Apple Pencils also have different requirements. Apple is good about noting the compatibility in their product titles on this webpage, so read carefully, and you should be fine.

Tyler Lacoma
Former Digital Trends Contributor
If it can be streamed, voice-activated, made better with an app, or beaten by mashing buttons, Tyler's into it. When he's not…
Apple just announced a new iPad mini. Here are all the big upgrades
The Apple iPad mini (A17 Pro).

Apple has announced an all-new iPad mini. This seventh-generation model, which has long been anticipated, features an A17 Pro chip designed to support Apple Intelligence. Visually, it looks just like the last iPad mini, but there are some key upgrades under the hood.

The A17 Pro chip, also found on the iPhone 15 Pro series, features a 6-core CPU that delivers 30% better performance than the previous model. Its 5-core GPU also offers improved graphics performance. In addition to an A17 Pro chip, the 2024 iPad mini features an 8.3-inch Liquid Retina display, a 12MP primary camera, and support for the Apple Pencil Pro.

Read more
Best iPad deals: Save on iPad Air, iPad Pro, iPad Mini
iPad Pro 2020 Screen.

For years the Apple iPad has been setting the standard for the best tablets, and despite its sometimes premium nature you can generally find some great iPad deals among the best tablet deals. That’s certainly the case right now, with many of the best Apple deals out there including iPad deals. We’ve rounded up all of the best iPad deals worth shopping today, and reading onward you’ll find discounts on everything from budget iPads to recent releases. You’ll also find some savings on iPad accessories. If you’d like to sort through the competition as well, be sure to check out today’s Samsung tablet deals, Amazon Fire tablet deals, and Surface Laptop and Surface Pro deals.
Apple iPad 10.2 (9th Gen) (64GB Wi-Fi) -- $199, was $329

Apple's A13 Bionic chip is no M1 or M2, but it still offers 64-bit architecture and neural engine support for excellent performance. In other words, this 10.2-inch iPad is incredible value. It has a 10.2-inch Retina display, 64GB of storage, supports Touch ID and Apple Pencil (1st Gen), and it's size, plus all-day battery life make it an excellent choice for anyone with an on-the-go lifestyle.

Read more
The M4 iPad Pro might be in trouble
Home Screen of the M4 iPad Pro.

The iPad Pro (2024) is undoubtedly the best tablet you can buy. Unfortunately, it's also the most expensive. That's almost certainly why we're hearing news that demand for the tablet has dropped sharply.

DSCC’s Ross Young recently published a report noting that the M4 iPad Pro has been struggling recently following its promising May debut. According to the supply chain analyst, Apple initially expected to ship as many as 10 million panels of the 11-inch and 13-inch tablets. However, that number will likely drop to as little as 7 million before the end of the year. That's certainly not good.

Read more