I recently picked up the 11" Pro, but I cannot seem to find the right case for me. I don't want bulk or anything that has a separate pencil pocket or pencil flap. It seems like every case on amazon is either a keyboard case, or has that annoying flap or pocket for the Apple pencil. All I want is something simple like the old smart cover and a hard back. I would prefer the front cover be removable from the back when desired. My old 10.5 iPad Pro had the genuine smart cover with a generic hard back that accepted the smart cover. I could easily remove the smart cover flap if desired. Does anything like this exist for the 11"? Thanks for any help.
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iPad Pro I never thought finding the right iPad case would be this hard
- Thread starter SteelBlueTJ
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I use this ESR case. Magnetic, easy to remove, has slot for pencil. I used this, combined with magic keyboard (if I need much typing work while outside home).
Edit: add that, it has a solid back which prevent iPad from bending.
Edit: add that, it has a solid back which prevent iPad from bending.
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Is the hard shell a must? I don’t think I’ve seen any of those that has full edge protection. They all have an opening for the Apple Pencil. I haven’t seen any cases for the flat edged iPads with removable front cover.
If you’re okay with a soft shell, this one has a thinner edge for Apple Pencil but it has full coverage.
JETech Case for iPad Pro 11-Inch, 2022/2021/2020/2018 Model (4th/3rd/2nd/1st Generation), Compatible with Pencil, Cover Auto Wake/Sleep (Black)
JETech Case for iPad Pro 11-Inch, 2022/2021/2020/2018 Model (4th/3rd/2nd/1st Generation), Compatible with Pencil, Cover Auto Wake/Sleep (Black)
smile.amazon.com
ProCase Cover for iPad Pro 11 Inch Case 2022/2021/2020/2018, Slim Stand Hard Back Shell Smart Cover for iPad Pro 11 Inch 4th Generation 2022 / 3rd Gen 2021/ 2nd Gen 2020 / 1st Gen 2018 -Navy
lim Case designed for Apple iPad Pro 11" 2021 3rd Generation (Model: A2377 / A2459 / A2301 / A2460) , also fits iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen 2020 (Model: A2228 / A2231 / A2068 / A2230) & iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Gen 2018 (Model: A1980 / A2013 / A1934 / A1979)
smile.amazon.com
MoKo Case Fit New iPad Pro 11 4th Generation 2022/iPad Pro 11 3rd Gen 2021, [Support Apple Pencil Charging] Slim Trifold Hard Back Shell Protective Smart Cover, with Auto Wake/Sleep, Black
MoKo Case Fit New iPad Pro 11 4th Generation 2022/iPad Pro 11 3rd Gen 2021, [Support Apple Pencil Charging] Slim Trifold Hard Back Shell Protective Smart Cover, with Auto Wake/Sleep, Black
smile.amazon.com
If you’re okay with a soft shell, this one has a thinner edge for Apple Pencil but it has full coverage.
DTTO Case for iPad Pro 11 Inch 2nd/3rd/4th Generation 2022/2021/2020/2018,Ultra Lightweight Smart Trifold Stand with TPU Soft Back Cover,Also Fit iPad Air 5/iPad Air 4 [Auto Sleep/Wake], Black
DTTO Case for iPad Pro 11 Inch 2nd/3rd/4th Generation 2022/2021/2020/2018,Ultra Lightweight Smart Trifold Stand with TPU Soft Back Cover,Also Fit iPad Air 5/iPad Air 4 [Auto Sleep/Wake], Black
smile.amazon.com
Since apple doesn’t make Smart Covers for their iPads anymore, you won’t see much of that
I use the Smart Folio for my 11" Pro since it's the closest thing to the Smart Covers. Of course you can't remove the front, but the front does magnetically stick to the back when you flip it open...and if you need to use the camera, the 1/3rd panel will also magnetically stick when you flip it over to reveal the camera.
The following thread might be of use to you, it's for the 2018 iPad Pro but most of the cases have been updated for the newer versions -
forums.macrumors.com
I also liked the combination of a separate Smart Cover and back cover, but couldn't find anything similar for the 2018 iPad Pro. I ended up going with the following as I wanted something light that covered the edges of the iPad -
forums.macrumors.com
They have a new version with a built-in stand -
iPad Pro 11 (2018) Cases/Sleeves Thread
Got an alternative smart folio case, the DTTO Smart Cover (folio) case. Case is well made. Silky PU material but not to the point where it is slippery. Has lots of magnets that holds the iPad very well. In fact I dangled the iPad by holding the cover flap and the iPad did not fall off even...
forums.macrumors.com
I also liked the combination of a separate Smart Cover and back cover, but couldn't find anything similar for the 2018 iPad Pro. I ended up going with the following as I wanted something light that covered the edges of the iPad -
iPad Pro 11 (2018) Cases/Sleeves Thread
I decided to go with something a bit different. My preferred choice of case for previous iPads was always a Smart Cover with some form of protection for the back. The Smart Folio looked good but it didn’t offer the level of protection that I wanted. I really needed something that offered good...
forums.macrumors.com
They have a new version with a built-in stand -
XUNDD Case for iPad Pro 11 Inch 3rd Generation 2021/2020 with Stand and Integrated Camera Cover, Slim Clear Backshell, Shock Absorption Soft TPU Edge Bumper [Support Apple Pencil Charging] - Black
XUNDD Case for iPad Pro 11 Inch 3rd Generation 2021/2020 with Stand and Integrated Camera Cover, Slim Clear Backshell, Shock Absorption Soft TPU Edge Bumper [Support Apple Pencil Charging] - Black
www.amazon.co.uk
TiMOVO for New iPad Pro 11 inch Case (2022/2021, 4th/3rd Generation), [Support Apple Pencil 2 Charging] Ultra Slim Shock Absorbant Flexible TPU Air-Pillow Edge Protective Case - Black
TiMOVO for New iPad Pro 11 inch Case (2022/2021, 4th/3rd Generation), [Support Apple Pencil 2 Charging] Ultra Slim Shock Absorbant Flexible TPU Air-Pillow Edge Protective Case - Black
www.amazon.co.uk
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I was in the same camp as you a few months ago. I had a hard shell back and the removable Smart Cover on my iPad Air for 7 years. I did not want to change that setup. Was very unhappy when I found out it wasn't possible on a new iPad Air.
But then I bought the Air 4 and the Apple Smart Folio and was blown away. The Folio removes entirely just as quickly as the Cover if you want it completely naked. But the biggest breakthru is that when the Folio stays on and you fold the cover back, the magnets are so strong and the fit so perfect that you don't get that uncomfortable feeling in your hand like you did with the old Smart Cover. It's actually more comfortable and secure to hold with the Folio on than the Air was with the Cover off.
Go to an Apple store. Get the Smart Folio. Give it a try for a few days. Return it if you don't like it. But I think you will.
Just got the zugu case for my iPad 9 and I must admit the hype is real . Very functional and beautifully crafted
Have a look at this -
www.aliexpress.com
It has a back shell that covers the iPad when you're using it and, effectively, a detachable folio cover to use as a stand or for when you're carrying the iPad around. Again, it seems to be a generic brand so it's available from different places under different names. I have seen some reviews saying the Pencil won't charge when it's in the case, but that's not an issue if you don't have the Pencil.
There's a video review here for the Air 4 and 5 version. According to the questions on Amazon.com, this version won't fit the 2021 Pro because of the size of the lens frame, but the versions shown on AliExpress are compatible. They include an extra lens surround and there's a review from someone with a 2021 Pro 11 -
Magnetic Case for iPad Air 5 4 2022 pro 11 Transparent Cover Detachable Back Case for iPad Pro 12.9 2020 Mini 6 pen slot Case - AliExpress 7
Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com
www.aliexpress.com
It has a back shell that covers the iPad when you're using it and, effectively, a detachable folio cover to use as a stand or for when you're carrying the iPad around. Again, it seems to be a generic brand so it's available from different places under different names. I have seen some reviews saying the Pencil won't charge when it's in the case, but that's not an issue if you don't have the Pencil.
There's a video review here for the Air 4 and 5 version. According to the questions on Amazon.com, this version won't fit the 2021 Pro because of the size of the lens frame, but the versions shown on AliExpress are compatible. They include an extra lens surround and there's a review from someone with a 2021 Pro 11 -
Last edited:
I have this one for my iPad Pro, very light & adds very little bulk.
MoKo Magnetic Case Fit New iPad Pro 11 Inch 4th/3rd/2nd/1st Generation 2022/2021/2020/2018, [Support Apple Pencil Charging] Smart Folio Slim Shell Trifold Stand Cover, Auto Wake/Sleep, Black
Compatibility: Custom designed for your precious New iPad Pro 11 Inch 2021/iPad Pro 11 3rd Generation/iPad Pro 11 Inch 2020/2018 (Model number: A2377, A2459, A2301, A2460, A2228, A2068, A2230, A2231, A1980, A2013, A1934, A1979) , DO NOT compatible with other iPad models. This MoKo case features a...
www.amazon.co.uk
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Unfortunately, you are correct.
That is my primary reason for sticking with my Mini 5 (and not upgrading) and why, if I need a larger iPad, it will be the iPad 9. I need smartcover support. My hope is that by the time that I need to replace the Mini, Apple will circle back to providing smartcovers for future iPad models.
You can't get an old-style removable Smart Cover because the magnets are in the back, not the side.
This is your generic option.
ProCase Cover for iPad Pro 11 Inch Case 2022/2021/2020/2018, Slim Stand Hard Back Shell Smart Cover for iPad Pro 11 Inch 4th Generation 2022 / 3rd Gen 2021/ 2nd Gen 2020 / 1st Gen 2018 -Navy
lim Case designed for Apple iPad Pro 11" 2021 3rd Generation (Model: A2377 / A2459 / A2301 / A2460) , also fits iPad Pro 11 2nd Gen 2020 (Model: A2228 / A2231 / A2068 / A2230) & iPad Pro 11 Inch 1st Gen 2018 (Model: A1980 / A2013 / A1934 / A1979)
www.amazon.com
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Second the Zugu, I have the 11 pro and love Zugu cover for it
I personally love the Apple smart folio, but lately I have been leaning more towards Zugu. Have the Zugu case for my IPP 2018 and just purchased it for my IPP M1. It is not too bulky and I love that it adds more protection than the smart folio.
I’ve resigned to the fact that I’ll need multiple cases/folios and I’ll have to switch to whichever is appropriate for the time.
If I know I’m just going to be reading or watching video, I use the Apple Smart folio.
If I’m going to be doing a bit of typing but more reading/browsing, I’ll use the Smart Keyboard Folio (since it folds all the way back).
If I know I’m going to be doing only productivity stuff at a desk, I’ll use the Magic Keyboard case.
If I’m taking the iPad out of town and I need a one-for-everything case, I use the Logitech Combo Touch.
Yes, it’s excessive and obnoxious, but it’s what works best for me out of the available options.
If I know I’m just going to be reading or watching video, I use the Apple Smart folio.
If I’m going to be doing a bit of typing but more reading/browsing, I’ll use the Smart Keyboard Folio (since it folds all the way back).
If I know I’m going to be doing only productivity stuff at a desk, I’ll use the Magic Keyboard case.
If I’m taking the iPad out of town and I need a one-for-everything case, I use the Logitech Combo Touch.
Yes, it’s excessive and obnoxious, but it’s what works best for me out of the available options.
For me, I use a Smart Folio for everyday use and a flexible TPU case if I feel the iPad needs more protection. I can’t stand anything heavier than those.
I don’t use the iPads as mobile laptops so no need for portable keyboard. My home and office desks already have multi-device Logitech keyboards and trackballs for the times when I’d use the iPad as a complement to the desktop. Couch, bed, etc., I’m perfectly fine using the onscreen keyboard.
I've found this case to be an okay combo of a smart cover and a somewhat rugged case.
Apple Pencil/Logitech Crayon sleeve, magnetic cover makes it easy to wake the iPad up, and gives me plenty of grip/protection whenever I take it outside the house. I used to struggle finding decent cases too when I had my Mini 2 years ago.
Timecity Case for iPad 9th/ 8th/ 7th Generation 10.2 inch 2021/2020/2019, Durable Sturdy Protection Case with Smart Cover Auto Wake/Sleep/Folding Stand/Pencil Holder for Kids Students -Green
Timecity Case for iPad 9th/ 8th/ 7th Generation 10.2 inch 2021/2020/2019, Durable Sturdy Protection Case with Smart Cover Auto Wake/Sleep/Folding Stand/Pencil Holder for Kids Students -Green
www.amazon.com
Apple Pencil/Logitech Crayon sleeve, magnetic cover makes it easy to wake the iPad up, and gives me plenty of grip/protection whenever I take it outside the house. I used to struggle finding decent cases too when I had my Mini 2 years ago.
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I used magic keyboard and ESR magnetic case. Plus simple sleeve if I need more protection.