Alongside the new iPad Air and Retina iPad mini, Apple debuted new Smart Covers and Cases for the devices. Like existing products, the Smart Covers product the device display while Smart Cases wrap around the entire device.

The polyurethane Smart Covers will retail for $39 for both the iPad mini and the iPad Air, and the iPad mini version will fit both the first and second-generation tablets, which means existing iPad mini Smart Covers will fit the second-generation Retina devices. The covers will come in yellow, blue, green, black, pink, and Product (RED).

smartcover
Apple’s new Smart Cases feature a dark leather exterior and a microfiber interior and will be available in 6 colors: brown, beige, black, blue, red, and yellow, much like the iPhone 5s. Smart Cases will retail for $79 for the iPad Air and $69 for the iPad mini.

smartcase
Both the new Smart Cases and the new Smart Covers will be available for order on November 1 from Apple’s Online Store. Apple's iPad Air will also launch on November 1, while the Retina iPad mini is expected later in November.

Top Rated Comments

nagromme Avatar
160 months ago
The Air cover has inherited all three things I was hoping from the Mini version:

- Pure, primary red color (good cause, no less)

- Soft hinge instead of scratchy metal mechanism

- Simple tri-fold resulting in larger, more stable standing footprint

I'm off the fence: this time I'll get the Smart Cover. Red and black! (Errr, space gray.)

(No interest in the Smart Case: what I like about the Cover is how easily I can leave it off 3/4 of the time!)
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
ejisfun Avatar
160 months ago
how are these any different from the one i have now?

They fit the new iPad?
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
theSeb Avatar
160 months ago
Does everyone else get lines down their screen where there's a gap in the panels? It seems like Apple makes great products, but not so great cases for them.

That is from dust. You need to clean the screen.

As for the topic... I am disappointed to not see a Surface-like touch type cover.
Score: 2 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Sy7ygy Avatar
160 months ago
Why can't I get the leather smart cover anymore? Maybe I don't want a smart case. Actually I don't. Leather Smart cover or nothing at all.

Agreed; the best combo for me is a Smart Cover + a slip case for all round protection.

The amount of crap that gathers on the rear with ANY 'Cases' totally puts me off.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
Battlefield 2 Avatar
160 months ago
Why can't I get the leather smart cover anymore? Maybe I don't want a smart case. Actually I don't. Leather Smart cover or nothing at all.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)
paul4339 Avatar
160 months ago
... too complicated, they have 4 ipads on 3 form factors (mini/rmini, ipad2, ipad air), now they have to keep 3 different types of covers in stock.
Score: 1 Votes (Like | Disagree)

Popular Stories

Aston Martin CarPlay Ultra Screen

Apple's CarPlay Ultra to Expand to These Vehicle Brands Later This Year

Sunday February 1, 2026 10:08 am PST by
Last year, Apple launched CarPlay Ultra, the long-awaited next-generation version of its CarPlay software system for vehicles. Nearly nine months later, CarPlay Ultra is still limited to Aston Martin's latest luxury vehicles, but that should change fairly soon. In May 2025, Apple said many other vehicle brands planned to offer CarPlay Ultra, including Hyundai, Kia, and Genesis. In his Powe...
iOS 26

iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 Will Add These New Features to Your iPhone

Tuesday February 3, 2026 7:47 am PST by
We are still waiting for the iOS 26.3 Release Candidate to come out, so the first iOS 26.4 beta is likely still at least a week or two away. Following beta testing, iOS 26.4 will likely be released to the general public in March or April. Below, we have recapped known or rumored iOS 26.3 and iOS 26.4 features so far. iOS 26.3 iPhone to Android Transfer Tool iOS 26.3 makes it easier...
Apple Logo Black

Apple's Next Launch is 'Imminent'

Sunday February 1, 2026 12:31 pm PST by
The calendar has turned to February, and a new report indicates that Apple's next product launch is "imminent," in the form of new MacBook Pro models. "All signs point to an imminent launch of next-generation MacBook Pros that retain the current form factor but deliver faster chips," Bloomberg's Mark Gurman said on Sunday. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated...
Apple MacBook Pro M4 hero

New MacBook Pros Reportedly Launching Alongside macOS 26.3

Sunday February 1, 2026 5:42 am PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips alongside macOS 26.3, according to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman. "Apple's faster MacBook Pros are planned for the macOS 26.3 release cycle," wrote Gurman, in his Power On newsletter today. "I'm told the new models — code-named J714 and J716 — are slated for the macOS 26.3 software cycle, which runs from...
iOS 26 Home Feature

Apple Gives Final Warning to Home App Users

Tuesday February 3, 2026 8:55 am PST by
In 2022, Apple introduced a new Apple Home architecture that is "more reliable and efficient," and the deadline to upgrade and avoid issues is fast approaching. In an email this week, Apple gave customers a final reminder to upgrade their Home app by February 10, 2026. Apple says users who do not upgrade may experience issues with accessories and automations, or lose access to their smart...