Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
3CB18BD7-BCF0-4665-A2B4-9D9C6833671D.jpeg
C5899550-2DBF-41B2-B750-A27DCC70A3FC.jpeg
I returned my folio for this one. I’ve always loved otter box cases on my iPad. This one isn’t super bulky and excellent protection.
 
  • Like
Reactions: iHeartsteve
Are they the same kind of edges as all the previous vinyl smart covers/cases? If so the edges should soften and break in over time. My 5 year old Smart Cover from my Air 1 and 2 is still going (though just barely) and the edges are soft now.

They will definitely soften up afte some use, and the sharpness shouldn’t be an issue.
 
To anyone who is reading this thread and is apprehensive about trying the Smart Folio because of all the posts about “sharp edges” I encourage you to buy it and see if it is an issue for you in particular...

I waited nearly two weeks to try the smart Folio because of all the reviews about the edges. When I got it home, I expected to try it for ten minutes and then box it back up for return. What did I discover? I love the case. I don’t find the edges to be sharp at all. It fits perfectly, looks great and offers great protection front and back. The best part is how quick and easy it is to install/remove. I tend to like to use the iPad Pro with no case around the house. It is a great option for me. If you are on the fence, give it a try, you just might like it.
 
  • Like
Reactions: crazynewf7
In regards to Apple’s folio case... how do you clean the microfiber part? I find it comfortable to hold, but my fingers obviously have oils and when I flip the cover, it’s touching the microfiber part. How do you all keep it clean?
 
To anyone who is reading this thread and is apprehensive about trying the Smart Folio because of all the posts about “sharp edges” I encourage you to buy it and see if it is an issue for you in particular...

I waited nearly two weeks to try the smart Folio because of all the reviews about the edges. When I got it home, I expected to try it for ten minutes and then box it back up for return. What did I discover? I love the case. I don’t find the edges to be sharp at all. It fits perfectly, looks great and offers great protection front and back. The best part is how quick and easy it is to install/remove. I tend to like to use the iPad Pro with no case around the house. It is a great option for me. If you are on the fence, give it a try, you just might like it.

100%. The edges don’t bother me. Only niggle is it needs to be in a perfect position on my lap for it to not collapse - my prior case had a flap & folded once around the back instead of this case’s two folds, which meant it made contact further up (maybe two thirds of the way up), instead of one-third of the way up as this case does, meaning it had a more secure ‘lock in’ function.

It’s ok though. Overall, the Smart Folio’s a top case, with great feel & exterior that’s easy to clean.

In regards to Apple’s folio case... how do you clean the microfiber part? I find it comfortable to hold, but my fingers obviously have oils and when I flip the cover, it’s touching the microfiber part. How do you all keep it clean?

What you can do is flip the smallest section back again, so that felt is on felt for that portion. That way, you have half the rear area where you can grip it & avoid the felt part. I’ve found I can hold it one handed this way too.

DF845A0B-8FBA-456F-8EB4-AA6DC82AA47F.jpeg
 
100%. The edges don’t bother me. Only niggle is it needs to be in a perfect position on my lap for it to not collapse - my prior case had a flap & folded once around the back instead of this case’s two folds, which meant it made contact further up (maybe two thirds of the way up), instead of one-third of the way up as this case does, meaning it had a more secure ‘lock in’ function.

It’s ok though. Overall, the Smart Folio’s a top case, with great feel & exterior that’s easy to clean.



What you can do is flip the smallest section back again, so that felt is on felt for that portion. That way, you have half the rear area where you can grip it & avoid the felt part. I’ve found I can hold it one handed this way too.

View attachment 805928

As a bonus you can use camera this way.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lyngo and Ralfi
To anyone who is reading this thread and is apprehensive about trying the Smart Folio because of all the posts about “sharp edges” I encourage you to buy it and see if it is an issue for you in particular...

I waited nearly two weeks to try the smart Folio because of all the reviews about the edges. When I got it home, I expected to try it for ten minutes and then box it back up for return. What did I discover? I love the case. I don’t find the edges to be sharp at all. It fits perfectly, looks great and offers great protection front and back. The best part is how quick and easy it is to install/remove. I tend to like to use the iPad Pro with no case around the house. It is a great option for me. If you are on the fence, give it a try, you just might like it.

I agree, plus it’s so easy to remove when in bed, on the couch, or in a plane and use naked. I love it. Being designed by Apple it is just a perfect complement to the iPad. Really love it.
 
I’ve found a solution to preventing it from collapsing whilst on my lap & it’s the opposite of what I was thinking earlier - so instead of folding the back in a way where the felt makes contact with your lap, fold it the other way. You’ll need to place the edge more precisely, but once it grabs, I found it a stronger trianglular base to rest the tablet on, + no issues with stuff collecting on the felt side of the case.

Try it. Let me know. :D
 
EE0467A2-E125-49AF-9F47-8EB890A1B8A0.jpeg
I also don't use the folio while walking around the house or on the couch. But on the go I fold it Like this when I have it in my lap.
 
AWESOME! Great to hear. I actually just ordered (and will receive Friday) a fake leather folio case just like this one. Fake leather isn't the best, but might have a better feel than the rubbery"ness" of the Ztotop. The link to that one is below...

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07K31QWMT/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1

...and the Ztotop is going back to Amazon. This DTTO “fake” leather case is awesome. It’s what Apple should’ve put out in leather, IMO. No sharp edges and feels great in the hand. It’s a bit heavier, but the feel is great.
 
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
I returned the app,e folio case yesterday in favor of the otterbox symmetry case. I was surprised that I was not asked for a reason for the return. Is that customary practice at apple stores?
 
I have the Ztotop and agree with others in being pleased with not just its price but also build quality. If Apple had made the Smart Folio in leather then I would've had no issue paying $100+, but for what they are currently offering I cannot justify the expense. With the Ztotop, the same design is there at a very affordable price. I love the design which seems invisible when the iPad Pro( mine being the new 12.9) is in landscape orientation. It really looks as if this slab of glass is just floating on the surface. The focus is on the screen and nothing else as it should be. Then it folds up to protect the front and back in the most practical and minimal way as possible. Just a rant on my appreciation of the design of the case even though it was Apple's design and idea anyway
 
I have the Ztotop and agree with others in being pleased with not just its price but also build quality. If Apple had made the Smart Folio in leather then I would've had no issue paying $100+, but for what they are currently offering I cannot justify the expense. With the Ztotop, the same design is there at a very affordable price. I love the design which seems invisible when the iPad Pro( mine being the new 12.9) is in landscape orientation. It really looks as if this slab of glass is just floating on the surface. The focus is on the screen and nothing else as it should be. Then it folds up to protect the front and back in the most practical and minimal way as possible. Just a rant on my appreciation of the design of the case even though it was Apple's design and idea anyway

That’s all good and I’m glad it works for many of you, however, it’s an overly simple way of looking at this and it’s a mistake too many people make. Apple invented the Smart Folio and spent the money for design, research, testing, etc., not to mention any patenting work, and the third party knock offs simply copy. It’s not fair to compare the pricing between them. Brainpower is more expensive than just manufacturing.

Further, I have yet to see anything innovative about other versions of competitor cases either- some are very expensive yet require you to use 3M tape. Not implying it’s perfect by any means, but Apple did 100% of the legwork here and they deserve to charge a small premium for it.
 
Last edited:
  • Like
Reactions: JayMysterio
I have the Ztotop and agree with others in being pleased with not just its price but also build quality. If Apple had made the Smart Folio in leather then I would've had no issue paying $100+, but for what they are currently offering I cannot justify the expense. With the Ztotop, the same design is there at a very affordable price. I love the design which seems invisible when the iPad Pro( mine being the new 12.9) is in landscape orientation. It really looks as if this slab of glass is just floating on the surface. The focus is on the screen and nothing else as it should be. Then it folds up to protect the front and back in the most practical and minimal way as possible. Just a rant on my appreciation of the design of the case even though it was Apple's design and idea anyway

I hear you, even though I think Apple is justified in charging more, the Ztotop and others are tempting!
 
  • Like
Reactions: JayMysterio
That’s all good and I’m glad it works for many of you, however, it’s an overly simple way of looking at this and it’s a mistake too many people make. Apple invented the Smart Folio and spent the money for design, research, testing, etc., not to mention any patenting work, and the third party knock offs simply copy. It’s not fair to compare the pricing between them. Brainpower is more expensive than just manufacturing.

Further, I have yet to see anything innovative about other versions of competitor cases either- some are very expensive yet require you to use 3M tape. Not implying it’s perfect by any means, but Apple did 100% of the legwork here and they deserve to charge a small premium for it.

I purchased both of Apple's folios (the second being the keyboard folio) for my 2018 12.9. It was my choice of course. If more "third parties" were available on day one, I would probably have considered alternatives. Maybe not so much for price but for design and functionality. I guess, as the OP, tends to point out that is what we are paying for.

Frankly, I'm looking for a leather folio that uses magnets. Maybe they'd have to be too thick to sandwich leather and a backing?

Also, I wouldn't rule out some third party coming up with something that is unique and perhaps better than Apple's original offering. That is what I like about third parties, they tend to continue to innovate for the same device (until the next generation). Apple does not as far as I am aware.

People call it the "Apple Tax". Yep, I paid it, but I do expect Apple to back their accessories as they withstand the test of time. My 10.5's keyboard cover went wonky within a year and Apple replaced at no charge to me. That is what I expect to get for the premium prices they charge.
 
Last edited:
Does anyone use a screen shield with the folio ? Is it needed ? My iPad and Folio should be here soon just debating if I would need screen coverage
 
Are you worried about abrasion on the screen from the inside of the folio screen cover? I never had a problem with any of may past iPads. I suppose it depends on your operating environment. Some people have reported touch responsiveness issues with early iPad Pro shields. Hopefully big name shields won’t have issues.
 
I just got the folio case today and I love it. Yes, it’s expensive, but it’s also brilliant. I love the minimalist feel, the ease of use, the ease of removal for that special naked time.

Winner.

Just so expensive. But no regrets.
It’s so sleek when closed. Looks like a wafer biscuit. (Yes I want to bite it). :D
 
I knew the rear camera cutout looked familiar!

It’s exactly like the IOS on/off toggle switches in settings. :eek:
 
  • Like
Reactions: gjr74
I originally bought the Apple folio case when I got the iPad Pro so I would have something on it from the start. Since then, I've been researching a permanent case with a little better corner protection since they do not offer a leather smart case like the Air 2 and can not find anything better than the folio case. I most recently tried the Pippetto Origami case but the quality is nothing like the folio case and the cover doesn't magnetically attach to the back when folded open like the folio case. It keep flopping around. Yes, the folio case is expensive, but the quality of the case definitely makes it easier to swallow to cost.
 
I originally bought the Apple folio case when I got the iPad Pro so I would have something on it from the start. Since then, I've been researching a permanent case with a little better corner protection since they do not offer a leather smart case like the Air 2 and can not find anything better than the folio case. I most recently tried the Pippetto Origami case but the quality is nothing like the folio case and the cover doesn't magnetically attach to the back when folded open like the folio case. It keep flopping around. Yes, the folio case is expensive, but the quality of the case definitely makes it easier to swallow to cost.

I generally like my Apple Folio cover. When I first got it I thought the edges were a bit sharp. Now they feel okay. I don't know if they have softened up with use, or my hands have gotten tougher ;) The magnetic attachment is probably the best feature of the folio as I can switch to my Apple Keyboard folio with ease.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Ralfi
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.