Am I just not seeing it, or has the silicone case for the 12.9" Pro disappeared from the Apple Store?
Got a tip for us?
Let us know
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.
iPad Pro 12.9" Apple Silicone Case Discontinued??
- Thread starter rushmere
- Start date
- Sort by reaction score
Yea, I just noticed this too. It is unfortunate for obvious reasons. I was thinking of upgrading from the 9.7" but not having back protection is a major turn off for how much you pay. I want to protect it and have it in good condition for a possible sale when I want to upgrade in the future. I stay away from third-party cases.
Some people will like the sleeves but I find them inconvenient having to take out the iPad and then slide it back in for full protection. Much easier just flipping a cover over.
Some people will like the sleeves but I find them inconvenient having to take out the iPad and then slide it back in for full protection. Much easier just flipping a cover over.
Last edited:
^ this for me, I'm a (picky) case junkie. I'll stick with my 9.7 Pro, with Ocean Blue Smart Case and Cover. Its lasted since September, no signs of wear or tear, and has done its job well, I wouldnt switch to anything else
I had the same question. I've been trying to find a Smart Case to protect the back of the new 10.5 iPad Pro but I'm not seeing anything in the Apple Store.
I was never a huge fan of the texture of the Smart Cases, but they do offer good protection as I travel around and toss it in my backpack and it is certainly non-slip.
Hopefully they'll release a replacement soon.
I noticed the new Logitech Slim Combo case and keyboard has a protective back - but the whole kit looks a little more bulky and heavy than I'd like to carry around every day.
I was never a huge fan of the texture of the Smart Cases, but they do offer good protection as I travel around and toss it in my backpack and it is certainly non-slip.
Hopefully they'll release a replacement soon.
I noticed the new Logitech Slim Combo case and keyboard has a protective back - but the whole kit looks a little more bulky and heavy than I'd like to carry around every day.
Last edited:
This is a bit baffling to me (until I remember it's Apple, and they're in charge of what I want, not me).
Any reason to think our old Silicon backs wouldn't fit...?
Any reason to think our old Silicon backs wouldn't fit...?
According to Apple's comparison Web page (https://www.apple.com/ipad/compare/) the 10.5 is 0.4 inches taller and 0.2 inches wider than the 9.7.
I’m surprised to see this too. However, I must admit, I’ve been using my iPad Air 2 for 3.5 years without a back case and it still looks fine. And I appreciate holding the iPad without any added bulk or weight.
It will probably fit, but it doesn't have a cut out for the camera flash.
While the dimensions of the 12.9 iPad may be the same, I've just looked at my 12.9" silicone case...
- the microphone holes are different between 12.9" version 1 and version 2.
- the camera, while in the same spot, is now raised, and I'm not sure it will fit in the version 1 silicone case. Camera cutout was already very tight.
- as already mentioned, flash will be completely covered.
I don't know why they would raise the camera cutout. Seems to be that that would be a downgrade overall... not an improvement. I'm leaning more towards the pro 9.7 anyway. Hopefully that doesn't have a raised camera
I spoke to an employee at my Apple Store today and he was surprised when I told him there were no back cases for the new IPPs listed on the Apple website. He checked the website to see and couldn't find anything either. Actually, at first he didn't know the back of 12.9 was different with the vertical setup. He said they need to wait for when their shipment of IPPs and accessories come in to see. But if it is not listed on Apple's website I doubt they exist--the stores wouldn't get something Apple didn't advertise.
I spoke to a Mobility Sales Specialist at Apple and he said that they were "waiting for some cases to be made for the new models". So what is up on the Apple site is currently what is available.
The Apple associate also said he had no estimate of when the new accessories would be available but would notify me.
If true, this seems like a real oversite on Apple's part...unless they really think everyone wants a sleeve...
I would think most people who purchase iPads also purchase protection for their large investment. A cover is only half of the equation. I mean the Smart Keyboard (which is still offered) is specifically designed to be partnered with a back case.
The Apple associate also said he had no estimate of when the new accessories would be available but would notify me.
If true, this seems like a real oversite on Apple's part...unless they really think everyone wants a sleeve...
I would think most people who purchase iPads also purchase protection for their large investment. A cover is only half of the equation. I mean the Smart Keyboard (which is still offered) is specifically designed to be partnered with a back case.
Am considering upgrading my 9.7 Pro to a 12.9 Pro, but could not find the silicone rear cover, so searched and I found this thread. Since this is a non-necessary purchase, I will wait until something suitable is produced. Ball is in your court, Apple.
I didn't want to leave my new 12.9" iPad with no back cover, so I purchased this ESR back cover from Amazon for only $12.99:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0718WGB8N/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Initially I was thinking this would be a temporary back until something better comes along, but it's actually pretty nice. Light and thin so it doesn't add much bulk... fits perfectly, even with the smart keyboard.
It's easy to hold, not as "grippy" as the silicone back, but it's much better than the slippery metal back of the iPad.
All in all, I'd recommend it! For $12.99, can't go wrong and if Apple produces a new silicone back at some point I'll reconsider upgrading.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0718WGB8N/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Initially I was thinking this would be a temporary back until something better comes along, but it's actually pretty nice. Light and thin so it doesn't add much bulk... fits perfectly, even with the smart keyboard.
It's easy to hold, not as "grippy" as the silicone back, but it's much better than the slippery metal back of the iPad.
All in all, I'd recommend it! For $12.99, can't go wrong and if Apple produces a new silicone back at some point I'll reconsider upgrading.
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
Problem solved - Thank you!
As an Amazon Associate, MacRumors earns a commission from qualifying purchases made through links in this post.
My Apple Original Silicone Back Cover for my 12.9" 1st Gen Pro started cracking at the corners. Got so bad it was falling off. So this might be why Apple discontinued them.
Even with it cracking, I wanted another one to match the keyboard and keep the very thin profile. Luckily I found one at a local retail store, Micro Center. But, it was full price. And it was the last one on the shelf. At least I found one months after they were discontinued.
Even with it cracking, I wanted another one to match the keyboard and keep the very thin profile. Luckily I found one at a local retail store, Micro Center. But, it was full price. And it was the last one on the shelf. At least I found one months after they were discontinued.