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Apple to Add Fourth-Generation iPad to List of Obsolete Gadgets
Welcome to the scrap pile, old friend
By Lawrence Bonk Lawrence Bonk News Reporter Florida State University Lawrence Bonk is a tech news reporter for Lifewire, specializing in gaming, AI, VR, and consumer tech, including iOS, macOS, wearables, and more. lifewire's editorial guidelines Published on November 2, 2021 12:14PM EDT Fact checked by Rich Scherr Fact checked by Rich Scherr University of Maryland Baltimore County Rich Scherr is a seasoned technology and financial journalist who spent nearly two decades as the editor of Potomac and Bay Area Tech Wire. lifewire's fact checking process Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Computers Mobile Phones Internet & Security Computers & Tablets Smart Life Home Theater & Entertainment Software & Apps Social Media Streaming Gaming It seems like yesterday that the fourth-generation Apple iPad was the must-have holiday gift of 2012, and now it is heading to that great gadget repository in the sky. According to a company memo sent out Monday and obtained by MacRumors, Apple’s fourth-gen iPad will be added to the official list of obsolete gadgets and already has been added to the list of vintage gadgets. Apple considers a product obsolete once active distribution has ceased for more than seven years. Tyler Franta What does this mean for current fourth-generation iPad users? The company will not service the hardware for any reason. Additionally, third-party service providers will not be able to order parts for the once-groundbreaking tablet. The only instance in which Apple will service obsolete hardware is in the case of a Mac notebook needing a battery replacement. The fourth-generation Apple iPad launched with much fanfare in November 2012. The tablet was the first to feature a Lightning connector and the first to include the company’s A6X mobile chipset, which doubled CPU and graphics performance over the third-generation iPad. It also included the newly minted Retina display and storage options up to 128GB. The fourth-gen iPad won’t be alone in the scrap heap. According to the same memo, the company also classified the late 2012 model Mac mini as an obsolete product. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire The M2 iPad Pro Is on the Way, and It’s Bringing a 10th Gen Friend New iPad Pro 2022: Price, Release Date, Specs, and News What Is the Newest Generation of the iPad? Should You Buy the iPad 2 and Save Money? How Long Does an iPad Last? Is Your iPad Obsolete and Outdated? The Ultimate iPad Comparison Chart (2022) How to Charge an Apple Pencil (Any Generation) What Is the iPad Air and How Does it Compare? New iPad mini Pro: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors The Next Apple Event: Dates, News, Rumors, and Everything Else To Know Behind the Invention and Evolution of the iPad Google Pixel Tablet: News and Expected Price, Release Date, Specs; and More Rumors How to Fix It When Apple Pencil Isn't Working The 9 Best Tablets in 2022, Tested by Lifewire 2021 iPad Pro: News, Price, Release Date, and Specs Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies