Apple gaves its lightweight iPad Air a makeover this fall, bringing its design more in line with the iPad Pro lineup. Gone is the home button and the large bezel, offering 10.9 inches of screen real estate compared to the 10.5-inch display on last year's model.
The new iPad Air is powered by the same A14Bionic chip with Neural Engine found in the iPhone 12, a nice step up from last year's A12. It supports the second-gen Apple Pencil, as well as Apple's MagicKeyboard and Smart Keyboard Folio.
The Air starts at $599 for the 64GB Wi-Fi version; the 256GB configuration starts at $749. Add LTE access for $130 more (plus carrier charges). If you crack that screen and don't have AppleCare+, meanwhile, you'll pay more than $400 to get it fixed, so it's a good idea to protect your investment with a case. Read on for our top picks.
Apple Smart Folio (iPad Air)
This functional yet minimalist cover from Apple is made from a single piece of polyurethane that snaps onto your iPad Air, waking it up or putting it to sleep as the cover is opened or closed. Get it in an array of colors, from pink citrus to deep navy.
Braecn Heavy Duty Case (iPad Air)
This rugged, multi-function case does more than protect your iPad screen from cracks and scratches. There's a built-in Pencil holder, a swiveling hand strap on the back, an adjustable and detachable carrying strap, and a kickstand.
Dadanism Protective Cover with Flexible Hand Strap and Card Slots (iPad Air)
This polyurethane leather case features a hand strap on the back, as well as non-slip grooves for positioning your iPad at three different angles, plus Apple Pencil storage and a card slot. It comes in an assortment of geometric and marble prints.
Dadanism Slim Smart Shell (iPad Air)
Spring flowers are always in bloom with this case, which—like Apple's official Smart Folio cover—features a magnetic strip that automatically wakes up or puts your iPad to sleep when lifted or replaced. It's made of a durable polyurethane leather and features a translucent, frosted back cover so you can see the Apple logo on your tablet.
DTTO Premium Leather Case (iPad Air)
For the premium look on a budget, this case is made of a synthetic leather and features a built-in hand strap for one-handed use, plus grooves in the microfiber lining for multiple viewing angles, and Apple Pencil support. Store cards, cash, and notes in the front pocket.
ESR Folio Case (iPad Air)
This fabric cover case extends beyond the edges of your iPad to protect it from drops and bumps, while a rear cutout prevents overheating. This case does not support auto sleep/wake, but it is compatible with the Pencil 2’s magnetic attachment and wireless charging.
ESR Slim Smart Case (iPad Air)
This case features automatic wake/sleep functionality, plus a flexible, grippy rear cover to guard against scratches. Fold back the front cover for easy viewing at two angles; Apple Pencil charging is supported.
ESR Stand Case (iPad Air)
The ridges inside this case offer nine different viewing angles supported by magnets intended to keep your iPad in place. It’s Pencil-compatible but doesn’t support auto sleep/awake.
Fintie Slim Shell Case (iPad Air)
This case will take you back to middle school and the days of writing notes long-hand in a composition book. In 2020, you swap that No. 2 pencil for an Apple Pencil and a cover with auto wake/sleep functionality.
iMieet Case with Pencil Holder (iPad Air)
This case keeps things simple (no auto wake/sleep) with lightweight protection against scratches and bumps, plus Apple Pencil support, and four color options: black, purple, green, and blue.
MoKo Generation Translucent (iPad Air)
This case features a polyurethane leather front cover with auto wake/sleep and flexible, translucent protection on the back. It supports Pencil charging.
MoKo Heavy Duty Case (iPad Air)
A rugged case with a built-in, scratch-resistant screen protector, all for under $20. A kickstand pops out on the back for easy viewing or Pencil-based edits.
Pad & Quill Oxford Leather Case (iPad Air)
This premium leather case from Pad & Quill features an interior pocket for documents, an elastic strap closure, smart cover with magnetic on/off feature, and built-in viewing stand. For on-the-go pros, it works with Apple's Magic / Smart Keyboards and the Apple Pencil. The company says the leather might start off "a little stiff" but will break in over time.
ProCase Protective Smart Cover (iPad Air)
For lightweight protection, this case offers auto wake/sleep on the front cover and a translucent frosted back cover. It supports Pencil charging but not Apple's Smart Keyboard.
SaharaCase Hard Shell (iPad Air)
This hard-shell case sports shock-absorbing corners and a closed-button design to keep dust out. A camera hood is intended to improve picture-taking by boosting contrast and colors while protecting the lens from scratches.
Soke Case with Pencil Holder (iPad Air)
This case provides full-body protection for your iPad Air; it’ll keep it safe from fingerprints, shocks, scratches, and dust. There’s a built-in Pencil holder and a stand with two angles for viewing and typing.
Speck Balance Folio (iPad Air)
This slim case from Speck offers 4-foot drop protection, a multi-angle viewing stand, magnetic camera shield, and integrated Apple Pencil holder. Microban antimicrobial protection keep germs at bay.
Spigen Case Smart Fold
Spigen Case Smart Fold (iPad Air)
If you must own something with pleather, make it an iPad case. This one supports magnetic Pencil charging, while the cover doubles as a stand.
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