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List of Cases Available for Apple's New iPad Air 2

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Though the second-generation iPad Air was just announced yesterday, several prominent case manufacturers have already begun releasing cases for the new ultra thin tablets.

Many cases for the original iPad Air won't fit the new version of the iPad Air because it is 18 percent thinner at 6.1 mm instead of 7.5 mm, even though it has the same 9.4-inch height and 6.6-inch width. For that reason, prospective iPad Air 2 buyers who want to keep their tablets protected in a case will need to buy a case specifically created with the new design in mind.

We've gathered up a list of the iPad Air 2 cases that are available now or that will be available in the very near future below.

Griffin - Griffin has already come out with several different cases for the iPad Air 2, which have estimated shipping dates of one to two weeks. There's a Survivor All-Terrain Case and a Survivor Slim, both of which are priced at $79.99 and are designed to protect the iPad from drops and weather elements.

griffinsurvivor.jpg

Griffin also has a simple TurnFolio case available for the iPad Air 2, which functions as a four-position workstand in landscape or portrait mode. The case, which ships in one to two weeks, is available for $49.99.

Apple - Apple has created its own Smart Cover and Smart Case for the iPad Air 2, which can be purchased from its online store. The iPad Air 2 polyurethane Smart Cover is designed to protect just the front of the iPad and is available in Black, White, Pink, Yellow, Blue, Green, and (PRODUCT) Red colors for $39. It appears that older iPad Air Smart Covers will fit the new tablet as new Smart Covers fit the original iPad Air.

smartcover.jpg
Apple's leather Smart Case offers more protection and is designed to protect both the cover and the rear shell of the device. It's available in Black, Midnight Blue, Olive Brown, Soft Pink, and (PRODUCT) RED colors for $79.

Belkin - Belkin has announced several new cases designed for the iPad Air 2, including the QODE Pro Keyboard case for$149.99, the QODE Ultimate Keyboard case for $129.99 and the QODE Slim Style Keyboard for $99.99.

belkinipadair2ultimateprokeyboard-800x429.jpg
Belkin also has simple folio-style cases for the iPad Air 2, including the Slim Style Cover for $49.99 and the Chambray Cover for $39.99.

Incipio - Incipio has four separate iPad Air 2 cases that will be available to purchase in the near future, including the $40 Octane Folio, designed to be impact resistant; the $35 Clarion, with a clear backing; the $40 Faraday, with a magnetic fold over closure; and the $50 Tuxen, a Snap-On Folio with a magnetic closure.

incipiocases.jpg

Poetic - Poetic has several inexpensive iPad Air 2 cases available on Amazon, like the SlimBook Vegan Leather case that's priced at $9.95, or the GraphGrip Silicone Case priced at $9.95. Poetic also has the DuraBook iPad Air 2 case for $9.95, and the Slimline Leather Trifold cover for the same price. All of Poetic's cases cost $4.95 to ship, come in a range of colors, and will be available on October 29.

poeticcases.jpg
A limited number of existing iPad Air cases may fit the new iPad Air 2, and all sleeves and bags designed for the iPad Air will, of course, also be compatible with the new iPad Air 2. Additional Apple accessory makers will be coming out with iPad Air 2 cases in the coming weeks as well, now that the new tablets are shipping to customers in just a few days.

Article Link: List of Cases Available for Apple's New iPad Air 2
 
Article Link
https://www.macrumors.com/2014/10/17/list-of-cases-for-ipad-air-2/
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I'm just wondering, how do these companies come out with cases like this, this fast? Do they go off of rumors, or does Apple hint at them...?
 
I'm getting a neoprene sleeve until there are reviews on how well some of the more robust cases and folios play with TouchID. I have a folio case for my iPad 4, and lip that's below the home button would likely interfere with my thumb lying flush on the TouchID sensor.
 
John.B said:
Yeah, I'm thinking at 18% thinner, everyone is going to have to go back to the drawing board.
Click to expand...

I suspect that it will be minor tweak of the 3D CAD model, and then it's off to cut a new tool. They can probably start injecting plastic in less than a week.
 
Dekema2 said:
I'm just wondering, how do these companies come out with cases like this, this fast? Do they go off of rumors, or does Apple hint at them...?
Click to expand...

Apple sends them the exact replica built to scale in order to make a case that will fit perfectly.
 

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For most people a Smart Cover is all they need.

I forgot one time that Apple also did a smart case and accidentally picked one up at Heathrow for my iPad mini. The Smart Cover (on my iPad 2) seems well designed but the smart case just feels like an afterthought. The extra thickness doesn't feel good and folding the cover to make a stand doesn't work as well due to the additional thickness.

I've had my iPad 2 since 2011 and it's still going strong, no damage to it despite not being in a proper case and it travels round with me loosely in a bag full of cables and power adaptors. I don't treat the device particularly well.

So my advice is don't worry about protecting it. Just get a cover and enjoy the lightness and thinness of the device.
 
The article doesn't exactly seem too confident or assured, but is anyone 100 percent certain original iPad Air Smart Covers will work with the new model?
 
Nrad6 said:
Apple sends them the exact replica built to scale in order to make a case that will fit perfectly.
Click to expand...

Clearly, all the i6 cases/screen protectors had such a good fit didn't they. :rolleyes: (I'm being sarcastic)
 
peterdevries said:
I hope you're joking because that's absolute nonsense.
Click to expand...

Well that depends.
Apple might not send them a replica, although depending on the stage of development and how close to launch of the new device this is actually quite likely, but what they do, with the big trusted companies like Belkin etc, they go to them and a contract is made. Non disclosure forms signed and so on. Belkin gets the dimensions and the areas that need to be accessed of the new model so that they can engineer new cases for the upcoming device. This is only done like 2-4 weeks before device launch. Most likely 3D CAD models would be handed over.
Cases being available that fit the new devices is in many cases crucial for success in the first and second week of a devices launch as there are many people who will not buy a new iPad or iPhone without having a case for it, they are just too scared to break it.

Its like that in most industries. Sub suppliers for automotive companies producing and engineering parts for a new model will recieve exact dimensions etc for what they need to create. Several months before unveiling these companies will have full blown prototypes of the vehice standing in their workshops to make sure everything works as intended.

Why are there not anymore leaks people might ask?
Answer is simple these companies need these contracts to survive. If there are photos or specifications leaked then that company might not get the contract next time so they can loose millions. These companies keep their employees on a tight leash, no cell phones in restricted areas and so on.
With a company like Belkin that would be no different. They are amongst the first to have cases for the new iPad air 2, which means less to choose from for all the people buying a case which means a lot of revenue for Belkin. Keeping totally quiet and not leaking information is in the best interest of these companies.
 
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