iPad covers and cases
Whether you have an iPad mini or larger iPad: a protective cover prevents scratches and other damage. They are available in different models, designs and colors. There are protective covers that you can always leave on your iPad and there are also sleeves that you only use when you are on the road. Below you will find an overview of the most common iPad covers, so you can find exactly what you are looking for
- Apple Smart Cover
- Apple Smart Folio
- Apple Magic Keyboard Folio
- Apple Smart Keyboard
- Apple Leather Sleeve
- Otterbox Symmetry
iPad covers in different styles:
- Book cases for iPad
- Back covers for iPad
- Rugged iPad covers
iPad cases in all shapes and sizes
There are hundreds of iPad cases and protective covers on the market, in different sizes. Therefore, make sure that the case you have in mind is suitable for your iPad. You can pay attention to:
- Type: standard iPad, mini, Air or Pro?
- Generation: Multiple generations of each iPad have been released
- Year of release: if you don’t know the generation, the year also helps with the choice
- Screen size: from 7.9-inch to 12.9-inch and everything in between
Most retailers indicate compatibility with covers, so that you know whether it fits your iPad. But of course you have to know which iPad model you have. We will help you get started!
Apple Smart Cover
Available for: various iPad models (see below)
The Smart Cover is Apple’s most famous protective cover. This only protects the front of the iPad and is attached with a magnetic strip on the side. You can choose from two materials: polyurethane or leather. The materials and colors available for your tablet vary per iPad model. Both materials remain beautiful for a long time, although the leather cover will eventually show more signs of use. All Smart Covers have a folding mechanism that allows you to place the iPad on its side. When you open the Smart Cover, the iPad screen automatically turns on. The Apple Smart Cover is available in the online Apple Store and at various retailers.
If you think Apple’s Smart Covers are too expensive, you will find numerous variants from other manufacturers that sometimes also protect the back of your iPad.
To look at:
- Smart Cover for iPad 9th generation 2021: €59 at Apple
- Smart Cover for iPad mini 5th generation 2019: €49 at Apple
- Leather Smart Cover for iPad 7th generation 2019 and iPad Air 3rd generation 2019: €85 at Apple
Apple Smart Folio for iPad
Available for: various iPad models (see below)
The best protective cover that Apple itself has in its range is this Smart Folio. This is similar to the Smart Cover, but also has protection for the back so that you do not get scratches on the aluminum. This is a cover that you can place in multiple positions, thanks to the roll-up back. We’ve known this since the very first iPad, so the mechanism will be familiar to most people. You can choose from several colors, matched to the colors of the iPads themselves. The Smart Folio clicks magnetically onto the flat back of your iPad and therefore stays firmly in place. Depending on the mode, you can make a FaceTime call, watch a video or type.
To look at:
- For iPad 2022: €99 from Apple
- For iPad Air 2022 (5th generation): €99 at Apple
- For iPad Pro 2022: from €99 at Apple
- For iPad mini 6th generation 2021: €75 at Apple
For more iPad 2022 accessories, view our overview.
Apple Magic Keyboard Folio
Available for: iPad 2022 only
In 2022, Apple introduced a new model Magic Keyboard Folio. This two-piece keyboard cover can be magnetically attached to your iPad and makes it very suitable for typing. There is also a fold-out stand on the back to place your iPad upright. This Magic Keyboard Folio also has fourteen function keys, including adjusting the brightness and controlling the volume. It also has a lock and escape button. This model does have a trackpad, but no backlit keys. Only available in white and only for the iPad 2022.
Also read our Magic Keyboard Folio review with experiences and pros and cons.
View: €299 at Apple
Apple Leather Sleeve
It’s a shame that Apple has discontinued this leather sleeve, because it is a beautiful case that can last for several iPad generations. This Apple Leather Sleeve once appeared for the 10.5-inch iPad Pro 2017 and also fits the 10.5-inch models that were released later. The leather case covers the tablet on both sides. However, you must remove the iPad from the protective case before you can use it. Space has also been made for the Apple Pencil. This cover consists of a rectangular piece of leather and is available in various colors. If you want such a protective cover made of imitation leather or in a different size, you will have to look at other manufacturers.
Apple Magic Keyboard
If you have a recent iPad Air or iPad Pro, you can purchase the Magic Keyboard for iPad. This is equipped with a special mechanism that makes the iPad appear to float. Check out our iPad keyboard overview to learn more.
There are several other keyboard cases available for the iPad, but note that only certified models from Apple and Logitech can connect to the Smart Connector. If not, you will have to connect via Bluetooth. You will also have to charge your keyboard regularly.
OtterBox Symmetry Series 360 Elite Case for iPad
Available for: various iPad models
You can also purchase the Symmetry Series 360 Elite case for the iPad 2022 (and also for the mini, Air and Pro). This is a cover with a transparent back, so that the aluminum is well protected. The front consists of a roll-up flap that you can fold over. This way you can put your iPhone in multiple modes. It combines the advantages of a plastic hard case with the flexibility of a cover. The Symmetry case is also drop-resistant thanks to the OtterBox DROP+ support. Magnets in the cover ensure that the screen automatically turns on when you open the cover and goes back to sleep mode when closed.
Otterbox Symmetry:
- View for iPad 2022: €89.95
- View for iPad 2021: €84.95
- View at GSMpunt.nl
- View at Bol.com
Book cases for iPad
A book case turns your iPad into a kind of book or writing folder. You place the iPad in the cover, where the front and back are well protected. A book case usually has an opening for the camera on the back, so you can still take photos. Book cases close with a magnet, elastic or push button. A very classic form of this case is the BookBook from TwelveSouth, which looks like an antique book with a leather cover and is adapted for each new iPad generation.
Book cases:
- View at Appelhoes
- View at Bol.com
- View at Coolblue
Back covers for iPad
A back cover only protects the back of your iPad. This can be useful if you only use the iPad indoors and mainly want to protect it against scratches caused by sliding. Some back covers are transparent so you can hardly see them. Others are very striking and thick, such as the red child-friendly cover in the photo above. The shape and color can be very different, but what they all have in common is that the back and sides are well protected against impacts.
Back covers:
- View at Appelhoes
- Bol.com
- Coolblue
Rugged iPad cases
If you are looking for extreme protection for your iPad, you can also opt for a ‘rugged’ iPad cover, which is also called ‘full body’. These are covers such as the Griffin Survivor, Otterbox Defender and the Lifeproof Nuud. As the name suggests, these covers provide all-round protection against water, dust, sand and other dirt that can damage your iPad. Ideal if you enjoy action sports or work in a rough environment, such as construction or on an oil rig.
Rugged iPad cases:
- View at Appelhoes
- View at Bol.com
- at Coolblue
Are you looking for a specific cover for a specific model? Then you will find much more choice in our separate lists:
- These iPad Air covers provide protection for your new iPad
- Beautiful iPad Pro covers to protect your tablet
- These are the best cases for the iPad mini
