The best iPad Air cases of 2024: Tested and reviewed by experts
Apple Smart Folio Features: Auto-sleep wake feature | Connects magnetically to your iPad | Two-legged design
It’s hard to beat a case that comes directly from the manufacturer. When you choose the Apple-designed Smart Folio for iPad Air, you’re not only guaranteed a perfect fit. You also get functionality that can make protecting and using your tablet easier, such as the ability to charge your Apple Pencil when the case is on.
“My life as a digital marketing professional always throws me through many ups and downs, so I needed a case that was both protective and practical,” says Ryan Ratkowski, Founder of Cascade Interactive. “And here’s the starting point, the feature I couldn’t live without – the auto-wake/sleep function.”
This feature, which Ratkowski calls “the unsung hero of iPad functionality,” means that whenever you open the case, your iPad Air’s screen will automatically wake up. When you close it, the tablet goes into sleep mode, saving battery life –although you might not need it since the latest generation has up to 10 hours of battery life.
The Smart Folio attaches to your tablet magnetically. That keeps the design thin and light, but makes the iPad Air’s edges susceptible to damage if you drop it.
Also: iPad Air (2022) review: So good, I almost regret buying my iPad Pro
The Smart Folio’s case has a tri-fold design with eight color options. That allows you to roll it up to form a small bump that makes it easy to type on the tablet’s surface. Plus, you can fold it up as a stand to hold iPad Air nearly upright for easy viewing.
The main limitation here is the price. At $79, this case isn’t even close to the most affordable cases out there. That said, buying a case directly from Apple can give you peace of mind about fit and function — and can simplify the process since you can buy it as you would an iPad Air. Many Best Buy reviewers agree, noting that despite its protection, quality, and ease of use, it’s still a hefty price for a case.
“Think of it as the Batman of iPad cases – neat, mean, and despite its super slim profile, it’s all about protecting your device,” says Nina Clapperton. As CEO of She knows SEO, she is a frequent traveler and carries her iPad Air with her. She says the Apple Smart Folio can “handle everyday bumps like a champ, keeping out the usual culprits like spills, dust, and debris.”
Current Amazon users say they like the quality, look, and fit of the Apple Smart Folio case. However, some users say it doesn’t offer much protection, especially given the high price.
