Since 2015, Apple has consistently been putting out several versions of the iPad Pro every year. Each launch came with significant changes to features and the design of the devices. So, if you happened to get last year’s 12.9-inch 3rd Generation iPad Pro — your old 12.9-inch case from the 1st Gen iPad Pro won’t fit. Since the 3rd Gen devices are still so new, good cases can be hard to come by. However, this article should make your search for the best iPad Pro case a bit easier.
Before you dive into the product reviews, you may be asking yourself the obvious question. Why aren’t the original 1st Gen 12.9-inch iPad Pro cases a perfect fit for the newest editions of the product line?
How to Find the Best iPad Pro Case for 3rd Gen Models
In November 2018, Apple launched two sizes of the brand new iPad Pro — the 11-inch one and the 12.9-inch one. The main aesthetic difference between these models and the previous similarly sized ones was in the slimmer bezels. The minimal space surrounding the screen allowed the users to have more surface space for work or entertainment purposes. Of course, the devices came with plenty of feature updates as well, including a better CPU and a smoother screen refresh rate, to name a few.
However, in the context of the hunt for the best iPad Pro case, the new look of the devices is the most important change Apple introduced. After all, the 1st Generation 12.9-inch iPad Pro had fairly large bezels. So if you were to try to put a case that corresponded with that model on the newer one of the same size, you’d end up blocking the periphery of the screen.
Apple Pencil 2 Connectivity
Another thing to keep in mind when shopping around for the best iPad Pro case on the market is the fact that the device needs to be able to connect to the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil. That version of Apple’s stylus came out at the same time as the new iPad Pro devices. Furthermore, it was actually designed to work only with 3rd Gen iPad Pros. In fact, that feature also influenced the design of the tablets.
One of the most game-changing stylus features of the Gen 2 Apple Pencil is easy device connectivity. The stylus automatically connects to the iPad Pro via the magnet on the right side of the device (the one with the volume keys). When you hover the stylus over the middle of that edge, it’ll snap into place, and the screen will indicate that the devices connected. Furthermore, the stylus will also use that connection to recharge. So if you’re going to be using Apple’s stylus, you’ll need that side to remain open. Fortunately, many of the cases on the list below have figured out a way to achieve that connection.
Best iPad Pro Case for the 3rd Gen Devices
If you’re looking for the best iPad Pro case for your 3rd Gen device, you’re sure to find it on the following list. Most of the products have versions for both the 11-inch and the 12.9-inch iPad Pro. Those that don’t have identical options at least have similar ones. So without further ado, here are your options.
ProCase iPad Pro 12.9 2018/2017/2015 Case Sleeve
The first item on this list is a simple sleeve case that’s perfect if you’re not too worried about dropping their iPad Pro. Still, the microfiber inside the ProCase sleeve will protect the screen from scrapes when you put it in your bag with the rest of your things.
The exterior of the sleeve is synthetic leather, which comes in 4 attractive colors. Furthermore, the design of the bag is fairly impressive, with a magnetic flip closure and the extra few pockets. The main compartment can fit both your iPad and a stylus. In fact, there are cut-outs in the material for easy access to both. There’s also a slot for your business cards, and a larger pocket in the back where you can put your charger, phone, or important documents.
Although the company doesn’t make the exact same sleeve for the 11-inch version of the iPad Pro, there are some alternatives. Notably, this felt sleeve with a Velcro fastening and this one with a button closure both have document compartments as well.
ZUGU CASE The Muse Case — 2018 3rd Gen iPad Pro
The Muse Case from the Zugu Case company comes in both the 12.9 and the 11-inch versions. It’s also one of the most fully-featured products on this list — let’s see why.
First of all, you should note that this is a regular folder case, so it has a hard back shell and a hard cover that flips over the screen. The cover has grooves in it, which perfectly fit the kickstand that comes away from the back to set the viewing angle of the device. Overall, you’ll be able to set it to one of 10 angles, from almost horizontal to almost entirely vertical. The cover is also magnetic, so it’ll trigger the iPad’s built-in wake and sleep functions as you open and close it.
In the back, above the kickstand, there’s an elastic pocket for your stylus. Furthermore, there’s also a groove on the right side of the tablet, allowing you to connect and charge your Gen 2 Apple Pencil. Lastly, the case is available in 4 muted colors, including black, navy, purple, and red.
Ztotop Leather Folio Stand Case for iPad Pro 2018
The Ztotop folio stand case is the best iPad Pro case for the working guy (or gal) among us. Like the previous product, this one comes in both 12.9 and 11-inch versions. However, only the bigger one is available with a keyboard as well.
This case is another simple folio case with a hardback cover that basically only holds the corners. So if you have an Apple Pencil, it’ll be able to connect directly to the iPad Pro. In fact, there’s also an elastic stylus holder there, if the magnetic connection fails.
The folio case itself has a microfiber interior with three grooves on the inside, which allow you to adjust the viewing angle. Meanwhile, the exterior is synthetic leather, which is available in 7 stylish colors.
Furthermore, like the previous product on this list, the cover is magnetic so it can trigger the wake/sleep functions. There’s also a large pocket for documents on the front cover, and a hand strap on the inside. That feature should come in handy when you flip the cover completely over.
Infiland iPad Pro 12.9 Case 2018
Even though the Infiland iPad Pro case is only available for the 12.9-inch version of the device, it deserves a spot on this list because of its unique design. The case looks like a professional portfolio or a notepad. It also comes in 4 office-appropriate dual-color options. However, while 3 of them are matte synthetic leather, one has a textile texture.
Additionally, the case also has a pocket in the back, as well as a stylus holder on the top side of the device. However, it will also allow you to snap your stylus onto the right side of the tablet since the manufacturer left plenty of room there.
Of course, the case also has the other features you might expect, such as the magnetic cover auto wake/sleep functionality. Additionally, it’ll also let you adjust the viewing angle of the device, though the manufacturer is particularly pleased with the 30-degree angle position.
FYY New iPad Pro 3rd Gen 2018 Premium Leather Case
This case from FYY is the best iPad Pro case for ladies in particular. The product comes in both 12.9 and 11-inch version, in 4 dual-colored options. The exterior of the case is high-quality synthetic leather, though the back case itself is a hard plastic shell. Furthermore, the back case has a large hole in it to allow the iPad to cool down when you’re using the stand feature.
Speaking of which, this folio case is fairly standard, in that it has grooves on the inside of the cover which allow you to adjust the viewing angle of the screen. Furthermore, the cover also has a magnetic closure, which engages the auto wake/sleep features. There are also two card slots on the inside, as well as a stylus holder on top of the device. However, you’ll also be able to magnetically connect the stylus to the iPad Pro — if you’re using the 2nd Gen Apple Pencil, that is. Lastly, the case also comes with a detachable hand strap, so you’ll be able to carry it around.
FYY New iPad Pro 3rd Gen 2018 Genuine Leather Case
If the previous product from FYY seemed luxurious because of its marble pattern, wait until you see this one! Like the previous product, this one is made for both 12.9 and 11-inch iPad Pros. However, unlike the previous folio case on the list, this one is made from genuine leather. That makes it an excellent candidate for the best iPad Pro case! Furthermore, the leather cases are available in black, brown, or red colors. On top of that, it actually has a whole score of features you may not have seen before. But let’s start with the ones you have.
Like most other folio cases, this one is also a stand. It doesn’t have any ridges on the inside of the cover, but the leather will hold on its own. Instead of the ridges, the inside of the cover has 3 slots for cards and one pocket for cash. There’s also leather and elastic hand strap for when you want to use the iPad in tablet mode.
Even though the case itself will allow you to charge your Apple Pencil, there’s a whole separate leather compartment for it in the back of the case. Additionally, there’s a bulkier compartment back there, which you can use to store your charger or headphones. The case closes with two clasps on either side. Moreover, it also has two metal rings on the sides, which you can use to turn your case into a bag thanks to the shoulder strap that comes with it.
Now, if you’re someone who needs their case more for protection and doesn’t care about aesthetics of it all as much — the UAG folio case might be the one for you. The rugged case is a mix of a hard, drop tested plastic exterior and an impact-resistant interior. Most importantly, the case won’t slip from your hands, due to its textured surface.
Like with many other products, you’ll have your choice of viewing angles. However, since this case is entirely solid, you’ll only be able to choose between two. The case is also compatible with the Apple Pencil stylus. So you’ll be able to snap your pencil on the right side of the screen to charge it. Additionally, it comes in 12.9 and 11-inch sizes and is available in black, blue, and red colors.
Ztotop Case for iPad Pro 2018
The Ztotop trifold case is a fairly basic addition to this list. Still — someone will surely find it the best iPad Pro case for them. The concept of these kinds of cases is simple. They usually have a soft case with a folding cover attached to it. When you bend the cover into a triangle — you get a stand. However, you can only use it in two angles, one for viewing and one for typing and drawing.
This particular product has a very responsive automatic wake/sleep feature, which also means that it’ll stand closed on its own. The soft case that envelops the back of the device doesn’t have an open side for the Apple Pencil. However, the case itself is a bit wider in order to make room for a stylus inside it. So, you’ll still be able to charge your 2nd Gen Pencil. The product comes in both the 12.9 and the 11-inch versions, in several solid colors.
Soke iPad Pro 2018 Premium Trifold Case with Pencil Holder
The Soke trifold case is basically the same as the previous product on this list. It even has the same stylus slot — although the design around it is slightly different. Instead of pushing the pencil out from the bottom, you’ll do it from the side.
However, the real reason why this product made the list is because it has several unique color options. Aside from several fabric-textured solid options, the 12.9-inch version is available as a notebook, with an illustration of a tree, or even a picture of a beach. Additionally, the 11-inch version has all those options and then some — notably, the image of Van Gogh’s The Starry Night.
HBorna Soft Flexible TPU Silicon Cases for iPad Pro 12.9 inch 2018
Finally, you have the HBorna soft flexible silicone case — available in both sizes of the 3rd Gen iPad Pros. They’re exactly what you think they are — simple transparent cases like the ones you might use on your phone. However, there are plenty of ways to customize this kind of product.
First of all, you can do nothing to it. Some people like seeing the Apple logo on the back of their devices. The silicon case will also let you charge your stylus, so you can just leave it at that.
However, you could also use transparent silicon as a frame, and put pictures or stickers underneath. That would really make your iPad Pro your own, though it wouldn’t do much to protect your screen.
Stay on Trend With the Best iPad Pro Case for Your 3rd Gen Device
Ultimately, it doesn’t matter what kind of case you end up getting. As long as it shows off your style and protects your iPad Pro from smashing — it’s a candidate for the best iPad Pro case in our book!
Now, if Apple keeps going at the same pace, we may be in store for a few more surprises by the end of this year. So if you’re someone who has to have all the newest gadgets, just make sure that you’re protecting them with a sleeve or a case!
