Since Apple announced the all-new iPad Air alongside the second generation iPad mini, all of the big case makers are now announcing the cases they’ve been working on for the devices in the months leading up to the announcement. With the new iPad Air arriving in just over a week on Nov. 1, we thought it would be good to roundup some of the best cases that have already been announced for the device in addition to Apple’s new leather Smart Case ($79.99) and polyurethane Smart Cover ($39.99) for the iPad Air pictured above:
The new Retina iPad mini is sightly thicker than the previous generation at a depth of 7.5mm vs 7.2mm, but fortunately many are reporting that most cases for the first gen iPad mini will work with the new model. That’s why we’ve mostly stuck to iPad Air cases, but there are also a few new cases for the Retina iPad mini announced by Belkin and others:
Logitech: The Logitech® FabricSkin Keyboard Folio ($149), Logitech® Folio Protective Case ($49),Logitech® Ultrathin Keyboard Cover ($99), and the Logitech® Ultrathin Keyboard Folio ($99) and. Full details here.
ZAGG: Zagg is already selling its new ZAGGkeys Folio with Backlit Keyboard for the iPad Air for $99 from its website. The black model is available now and the white version is coming soon.
Belkin (left to right): Qode Ultimate Keyboard Case for iPad Air ($129.99), Qode Thin Type Keyboard Case for iPad Air ($99.99), Qode Slim Style Keyboard Case for iPad Air ($79.99), Apex 360 Advanced Protection Case for iPad mini ($69.99), FreeStyle Cover for iPad Air ($59.99) — All of the new Belkin cases will ship in November/December in time for the new iPads.
iLuv: The Professional Workstation ($99.99), Bolster ($49.99), CEO Folio ($64.99), Step Folio ($59.99), Simple Folio ($39.99). iLuv also has a full line of Retina iPad mini cases.
Otterbox has confirmed that it will soon begin offering its popular Defender series for both the iPad Air and Retina iPad mini. The mini version is available to preorder now and arrives on Oct. 31, but now word on when the iPad 5 version will ship.
Incipio: New iPad Air cases from Incipio starting at $34.99 will ship from the company’s website in the coming weeks.
Speck: Speck’s StyleFolio ($39.95) goes on sale in a variety of colors on Nov.1.
Amazon: i-Blazon Leather Smart Cover w/ stylus ($12.99), Ionic leather Rotating Stand ($9.99), Ionic 2-tone designer leather cover ($13), Supcase Slim Fit Folio Leather Case ($9.99).
Moshi: Concerti for iPad Air ($55) and VersaCover Origami Case for iPad Air in several colors ($60) coming soon from Moshi.
XtremeMac: Available in November, XtremeMac announced its Microshield(TM) Grip case for iPad Air ($59.99) will arrive alongside a new ultra-thin Micro Folio and other leather cases.
Twelve South’s new BookBook Travel Journal for iPad ($99).
TYLT: RUGGD Protective Case w/ built-in collapsible kickstand for iPad Air, available starting Nov. 8 for $49.99.
Pad & Quill: A large collection of high-quality, handmade leather and wood cases.
Related articles
- Roundup: Hands-on with the new iPad Air & iPad mini with Retina Display (9to5mac.com)
- iPad mini with Retina display will have 128GB version for $699 (9to5mac.com)
- Apple announces iPad mini with Retina display, starts at $399, available in late-November (9to5mac.com)
- Apple announces the iPad Air: 20% thinner, 1-pound (9to5mac.com)
- Apple Online Store returns with new Macs & iPads (9to5mac.com)
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Lots of cool cases but it boggles my mind why more don’t come with the AutoWake/AutoSleep feature… Why spend $50-70 on a third party case that doesn’t do this?
Maybe its because Apple has the patent on this and is asking to much to license it.
Also, those don’t give good protection, so why spend $70 on a thin case with no protection that only turns off the screen, which you can do on your own.
You missed these: http://www.sfbags.com/products/ipad-cases/outback-solo-ipad.php
Brand-spanking new the day Apple announced the new iPad Air. Let me know if you’d like to review. Thanks!
just awesome cover for new iPad ,, i love it
Oops. I meant amazon. I don’t know how to edit post.
What about SwitchEasy’s?
Probably the best brand of all but never appears here.
http://www.switcheasy.com
I bought a case for 8 bucks on Amazon with the magnetic cover and the rotating back in leather. You don’t need to spend big bucks for good cases, that’s just hype. No to mention, I never understood buying a case that turns the iPad into a laptop or adds pounds of weight to an awesome design.