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Did Apple discontinue the iPad Pro Smart Cover?
- Thread starter TomOSeven
- Start date
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For which device. Apple currently sells the Smart Cover, folio and keyboard cover for the Pro devices.
That really sucks.
I get that Apple makes more money on the folio, but pushing people towards that by just not offering a Smart Cover is a dick move in my view.
Honestly I don’t think they could have with the magnet placement this year. Plus the folio is real light.
I agree. I believe the primary reason they decided not to offer a smart cover for the latest gen Pros is because of the camera bump. The folio cases make it so that back is flush.
I know some will say that not everyone will buy a case, but a large percentage of people do and there haven't been any 3rd party smart covers since the iPad 4... there have only been cases.
Well the older iPad Pros also have a camera bump, but they still offered the smart covers for them.
Anyway, Apple only offers smart covers for the 10.5 iPP and for the regular iPad (compatible with 2018/2017/Air1/Air2) and Mini4 now that the new Pros have been released. Those only have Folios available from Apple, regular Folio and keyboard Folio.
It’s too bad they don’t have smart covers available for the newest Pros. I have smart covers for all of my ipads (2017 12.9 iPP, 9.7 iPP and iPad2)
It’s handy being able to remove it and only have the case on, something not possible with the Folios.
Anyway, Apple only offers smart covers for the 10.5 iPP and for the regular iPad (compatible with 2018/2017/Air1/Air2) and Mini4 now that the new Pros have been released. Those only have Folios available from Apple, regular Folio and keyboard Folio.
It’s too bad they don’t have smart covers available for the newest Pros. I have smart covers for all of my ipads (2017 12.9 iPP, 9.7 iPP and iPad2)
It’s handy being able to remove it and only have the case on, something not possible with the Folios.
Only the 2017 Pros had camera bumps (the 2015 Pros did not). The camera bumps on the 2018 Pros seem to protrude more.
TomOSeven,
I've always loved the Smart Cover too.
You're aware, if it was your favourite accessory, that the iPad has always been designed with the Smart Cover in mind and vice-versa. Clearly there always were magnets inside the iPad's face to hold the cover closed, but the magnets in the iPad's spine where the cover attached were the critical ones: a strong enough magnetic bond to dangle the iPad open by the cover.
It's clear the new iPad Pro's magnet situation was rethought and redesigned. The "critical" magnets with the strong bond are now distributed more evenly around the rear surface. (How many was it? 102?) The Smart Folio and the Smart Keyboard both attach and stay by bonding with the rear surface, and there's no longer any significant bond with the newly-squared spine.
I miss just having a cover as well; the Smart Folio is twice as heavy (though still pretty light). But I'm happy I can comfortably place the iPad Pro face-up for once, and that it's about as easy to remove and replace with an intentional pull.
I've always loved the Smart Cover too.
You're aware, if it was your favourite accessory, that the iPad has always been designed with the Smart Cover in mind and vice-versa. Clearly there always were magnets inside the iPad's face to hold the cover closed, but the magnets in the iPad's spine where the cover attached were the critical ones: a strong enough magnetic bond to dangle the iPad open by the cover.
It's clear the new iPad Pro's magnet situation was rethought and redesigned. The "critical" magnets with the strong bond are now distributed more evenly around the rear surface. (How many was it? 102?) The Smart Folio and the Smart Keyboard both attach and stay by bonding with the rear surface, and there's no longer any significant bond with the newly-squared spine.
I miss just having a cover as well; the Smart Folio is twice as heavy (though still pretty light). But I'm happy I can comfortably place the iPad Pro face-up for once, and that it's about as easy to remove and replace with an intentional pull.
Oh did the 2015 12.9" not have a camera bump? It's been awhile since I owned one, so I don't remember.
I guess that is the only Pro without a camera bump then as the 2016 9.7" iPad Pro has a camera bump like the 2017 models. It used the same camera as the iPhone 6s, which is why they gave it the bump. I have my 9.7" Pro right here next to me, so I'm positive that has a bump. With the Apple silicone case on I don't really notice it though.
The official Apple smart covers for the older iPads are still available from third party sellers as well. I just picked up a new 9.7" Pro Smart Cover from a local Electronics store that had it on sale to get rid of older stock.
The 9.7" Pro smart cover is only compatible with the 9.7" Pro, so I was happy to find it new at a good price.
I'm actually very, very happy with the folio for the 11". Yes, it's bleedin' expensive. But I like the fact that it wraps around completely. I have the silver version, which is quite slippery to hold. It's also extremely thin. With the folio, I find it much easier to hold. Added bonus is of course that the iPad cannot wobble because of the camera bump (which can happen when I'm writing in the top right corner with the pencil... I tend to put my hand on the screen rather heavily when writing).
I love the new folio as well. I do wish it came in more colors for the 12.9. A leather option would have been nice too. Gray or white options for the 12.9 since 2015 is getting a little boring to me.
, I opted for a 3rd party folio case; it’s as good as gold. The only way to revert to my red leather